#if you ever get a message from me before 11am I am so sorry

[viric-dreams]

Trying to sleep whilst simultaneously letting some potential lore scenes for future writing/art run in the back of my mind produces some truly unsettling results.

Under no circumstances would Roberts be court martialed for treason. Officer Beverley seems to understand this, but his logic is entirely backwards. Framed by the glow of the fireplace, Beverley leans back against the sole chair in his spartan lodgings and explains what he’s so sure is going to happen. If Roberts does not comply he intends to go to the London admiralty, to let them in on his missing time, the new player making waves in Anarchist circles, the lies at the foundation of his very existence. He seems to think that the Dark-Spectacled Admiral has the power to land him in political scandal.

His letters will never reach the Admiral. Roberts knows this with the same certainty that he knows the Dawn Machine burns in the Southwest. Beverley’s contact is the Voracious Diplomat. He’s trying to be cagey about it, but Roberts has seen the letterhead, shoved quickly into a drawer whenever they need the space on the desk to work. And the Diplomat would never let such a tidbit go to the Admiral, not when it’s worth so much more on Grand Geode.

Roberts was there for the Luminous Plot of ‘69. In fact, he had been the one to ensure that its perpetrators would never find a way to return from the slow boat, no trial, sham or otherwise. As he and the Commodore stood against the gunwhale and watched their cement-laden bodies sink into the Zee, the Commodore turned to him.

“You wouldn’t betray me, would you, Elias?”

The expression on his face is clouded, as if already playing through and wounded by the possibility in his mind. It feels like being thrown into ice water.

“Of course not, sir!”

The very idea is appalling. Surely the Commodore doesn’t truly believe it’s in the realm of the possible—not when the very idea makes his skin prickle. He’s the Commodore’s man, through and through, dedicated to both him and the Work.

The Commodore smiles, his golden eyes suddenly kind.

“That's what I thought. You wouldn’t do such a thing,” his hand reaches out to pat his shoulder, “Not from my most loyal midshipman.”

He can’t help but flush at the praise. Hopefully, the deck’s dim lighting covers it. But it hardly matters, for the Commodore turns away, gazing into the waves where they’d thrown the traitors not minutes ago. Roberts thinks the conversation is at its end when the Commodore starts again, eyes never leaving that fixed point on the Zee’s surface.

“If you did betray me, of course, I wouldn’t kill and feed you to the dawn flukes. That would be too easy of an end. Instead, I’d weld you into our smallest zub and ship you to Anthe. Who knows,” he shrugs, “you might just even have enough supplies to make it.”

He can’t breathe, his lungs are frozen in his chest. The image is all too real—trapped in that metal coffin, hardly able to move. Through the icy panic, all he can feel is the frantic hammering of his heart and the sharp twinge of the muscle of his left thigh, where the scarred skin puckers above it. The Commodore wouldn’t. Of course he wouldn’t. Right? He has to take a breath. He needs to respond. It’s been too long. His silence might be taken for suspicious.

“There’s no need for that, I assure you.” The words come out whole, though his voice is frailer than he’d like. The Commodore is studying him now. Roberts isn’t sure whether or not he can meet his gaze, what the Commodore might see on his face. After a moment the Commodore nods.

“I didn’t think so. But you never know.” With that, his mouth slides into a grin, demeanour changing like night and day. “We’d best get back soon. There’s work to be done back on base. I’ll alert the navigator.”

Roberts sees the hand coming soon enough to not flinch when it lands on his shoulder, giving it a reassuring shake, before the Commodore is off, already descending the ladder.

He takes a deep breath and steadies himself, chasing the claustrophobic phantasm from his mind. The Commodore is right—there’s work to be done.

Truth be told, he’s not entirely paying attention to the details of Beverley’s demands. He doesn’t have to, when he already knows he’ll agree to whatever he says. It’s clear as dawnlight what he must do. The Officer seems almost surprised by how easily Roberts acquiesces, but that surprise soon turns to barely-concealed delight as the scientific possibilities unfold before him. He’s already turned away from Roberts and back to the schematics, searching for a pen to record the newest thoughts.

It’s truly a shame, Roberts thinks, hand reaching behind him for the fireplace poker, to have to lose such a promising engineer. But treachery is something that the New Sequence cannot tolerate.

Beverley doesn’t even see it coming until the instant he brings the iron poker down across his skull.

[r0tt1ng-c0rp53]

RE2 Leon x Goth M!Reader ☆

⚠️: alcohol use

TW: none (I dont believe)

It was just your typical routine, you went out to one of your favourite shops to grab something before leaving yet unfortunantly you bump into someone, dropping your bag..

He looked up at you immediately and started profusely apologising whilest picking up your things off the ground, honestly at that point you were just a little shocked you weren't yelled at to 'watch it'.. "Im really sorry, I didn't see where I was going.." he mumbled, picking up your things and giving them to you, but before he did he looked right at you and his cheeks lightly glowed red, "Woah your make ups really cool!" He cut himself off, smiling.

You chuckle lightly, finally getting a chance to respond.. "Its fine and thank you- uhh" you didn't know his name regrettably, "Leon" he smiled at you, putting his hand out.. "Leon Kennedy" his smile somehow managed to grow wider, "Im Y/N.." you smile back at him, shaking his hand. After you both dropped your hands he speaks up, "Y/N's a pretty name.. but I wasn't lying about your make up can you do it on me?!" He was like a puppy almost, just so full of energy and so excited you could've sworn you saw a tail wagging behind him.. "Im a bit busy today but I can give you my number?" You smile at him softly, getting a sticky note from your bag and writing your number on it and a little bat drawing next to it.. he couldn't stop smiling and took the paper, putting it into his pocket.

"Thank you so much, you're really cool.." he mumbles, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly whilest kicking the ground, "Thank you, but I really do need to head off" you chuckle in response, "Im free Saturday." You tell him before walking off and waving goodbye. He kept standing there like an excited puppy, just smiling hard until you were out of his view so he could make his way to where ever he was headed.

Friday.

It was Friday, a day before your next encounter with 'Leon'. You managed to rub the sleep from your eyes since it was around 3am before getting a notification on your phone.. It was a new number and all it wrote was, "Hey its Leon, sorry for the late message:'C Is this Y/N?" 'He uses emoticons? Thats cute' you thought to yourself before replying to him saying that it was fine and that yeah its you.

You kept messaging for awhile just talking about the new remake of the game Evil Residence, you were always a big fan of the originals and turns out so was he. You never thought you'd get on so well with a man you bumped into on the street.. but you could definitely say you were gonna enjoy hanging out with him tomorrow. You found out he was a rookie cop and it was his first day TODAY even though it was already 5 in the morning, you laughed at him and told him to sleep for the next hour just so he can have some sort of energy.. 'Actually texting you has made me pretty hyper so im okay(^w^)'... you re-read the message a few times wondering how to respond, 'doesn't matter! You still need your beauty sleep.' You argued, chuckling on your bed.. 'Finee(╥﹏╥) I'll see you tomorrow:D' he finally agreed, so you both went to bed. You laid there awhile just thinking of tomorrow, smiling to yourself and giggling.. you both kept messaging through out the day when he was on break or just taking a sneaky peek at his phone to see if you'd messaged him, which you always were. You could confidently say you were excited to hang out with him tomorrow, including the other things you both wanted to do.

Saturday.

You both accidently did it again, staying up until 6am calling and messaging.. you agreed he'd come over at 11am with the drinks, you both decided that having a few drinks together and watching a movie would be great.

11:12 am

There's a knock on the door, you already know who it is, you run over to the door and open it, a smile already plastered on you're face. "12 minutes late" you chuckle, staring down Leon sarcastically, "Oh come on, I had to get the very specific whiskey you wanted.. its hard to find!" He laughed at you, holding 2 bottles of Diageo Whiskey whilest you had already stocked up on 3 bottles of Coke. "Diego or whatever it is wasn't easy to find.." he mumbled, walking inside your apartment, you laugh at him before correcting him about the name, "Its Diageo not 'Diego'". After coming in, pouring yourselves a nice mix of Whiskey and Coke you both finally sat down and agreed to watch *Halloween*, Rob Zombies specifically since Leon argued it was the best one, "I love the Halloween movies.." he whispers smiling at the TV, as the day went on and you continued watching more of the Halloween movies before you knew it it was already 9pm, and you both had downed a bottle of the whiskey with only 1 remainder not to mention drunk.. Leon was on the verge of passing put while you were enjoying the movie, you felt a weight shift onto your shoulder.. it was Leon, and he was out cold. You chuckle to yourself quietly before wrapping your arm around him and bringing him in closer.

The movie finished and Leon was still out like a light, you sigh and gently get up.. laying him on the couch and grabbing one of the square pillows and putting it under his head aswell as a spare blanket. You give yourself a quick pat on the back for helping this drunk get more comfortable.

You start to walk off with the idea of heading to bed and checking up on him in the morning.. that was before you felt someone grab your wrist. Leon was still half asleep, mumbling.. "dont.. dont go." His eyes were still shut, and maybe it was the alcohol that made you stay.. you stood there for a few seconds before he pulled you onto the couch with him.. almost immediately wrapping his arms and legs around you with his head digging into your chest.. "Leon?" You whisper, in hopes to not disturb him much.. he grumbled in response, "Do you want me to stay?" You ask again, your eyes drooping due to the long night behind you, he shook his head on your chest. You wrapped your arms around him and laid for awhile before finally falling asleep, with Leon in your arms..

DONE!! IM SO SO SO SORRY FOR NOT UPLOADING OMFG. I MIGHT MAKE A PART 2 IF ITS HIGHLY DEMANDED LMAO:3

[pancakerry]

love on paint - hs blurb

(in inspo of this)

-

summary: you’re home while harry’s in the studio and decide to paint.. slightly naked.

warnings: super domestic w/ a hint of smut

word count: 1k

every morning harry usually wakes me up before he leaves to go on a run or the studio and gives me a kiss. however, today i wasn’t woken up at the crack of dawn. instead i woke up at 11am with an empty left side of the bed and an unkissed cheek from my lover. groggily rolling over to my nightstand, i check my phone to see a message from harry:

“Good morning, my love. So sorry I couldn’t say goodbye to you this morning. I was in a hurry and you looked so peaceful, you haven’t gotten much sleep this past week so I didn’t wanna wake you. I’ll be home around 3. I love you xx.”

pouting at the words on my phone, i decide to give him a call so i could at least talk to him this morning but he didn’t answer. after contemplating my next move i get out of bed and head to the bathroom to get a start on my day which includes my skincare routine, brushing my teeth, doing my hair, and getting dressed. since today is my wash day i decide to put my hair in a half up, half down style with a silver butterfly claw clip. heading to my closet, i realize practically my whole wardrobe is currently in the wash. shit.

i decide to forgo pants and a shirt and just wear my underwear and socks; it’s not like anyones gonna see anyways. as i’m making my bed i hear a grumble coming from my stomach, signaling it’s about time to eat something so i’m not starving to death by dinner time. i speed down the stairs, and almost tripping in the process, and look in the fridge and pantry seeing if i was in the mood for breakfast or lunch since it’s currently in between. out of pure laziness and lack of motivation to even brainstorm a meal, i get the ingredients to make a smoothie which happens to be one of harry’s favorite things i make him. i take out the cranberry-mango juice, heavy cream, berries, and mix it all up in the blender. as i’m pouring it into a love on tour cup harry calls me. excitedly, i pick up:

“hi baby!!”

“Hi love, have you eaten yet?”

giggling, “yes h, i just made my famous smoothie. wish you were at home, i have some extra.” i state, pouting through the phone.

“I wish I was there too baby, I’m sorry again for not saying bye. I hate not doing it, proper messes up my whole schedule!” he says dramatically.

laughing through my words, “oh stoppp, don’t be dramatic!”

after a few more minutes of conversation, i say my goodbyes and hang up due to hearing commotion in the background. while i love talking to him more than anything, i don’t wanna get him any more distracted than he probably already is.

as i sip my smoothie, i take it with me to me and harry’s combined office and get painting supplies to occupy all the extra time i, surprisingly, have. after looking on pinterest for painting ideas, i choose to take a more personal route and paint a picture from my camera roll of harry and i on a picnic in italy. particularly nervous for this painting, i get all the brushes and paint i need and start sketching with a pencil.

as a child, my dad never supported my love for art and how in touch i was with my creative side. he found it useless and wanted me to become a lawyer because it would “bring more money and give our family an important reputation”. he was so unsupportive that whenever i’d show him a piece i made, i would receive the response, “it’s no big deal,” and with my mom dead, no one was there to back me up or support me. ever since then, i never picked up a paintbrush.

however, i am quite good at painting and i always have been but this will be the first time harry sees it and i want it to be perfect for him. once my sketch is done, i get lost in the strokes of the paintbrush and become put in a haze of my creativity and all i had pictured for this portrait. i’m so in the flow that i fail to realize that harry arrived at home and is leaning against the doorframe, staring at me with so much love and lust in his eyes.

“Hello darling,” he states ever so softly as he walks towards my practically naked figure.

“holy shit, h! you scared the fuck out of me! when did you get home?!” i shout.

“Not too long ago, I was just admiring you. What are you painting, love?”

embarrassed, i quickly shield my work with my body. “nothing!” through flushed cheeks.

his eyes slowly travel from my face to my chest, eyes getting darker the longer he stares, making me blush even harder.

throwing his head back, “fuck baby, you’re so fit.” he says through a choked groan, resting his delicate hands on my hips and squeezing.

moaning at the sudden movement and comment, i lean forward and kiss him feverishly, expressing my love through the kiss. the painting is 100% sure long forgotten.

“you seem to be overdressed for the occasion,” i pant out with a smirk and quickly remove his shirt, admiring his abs and tattoos on his body. he lifts my chin up and says, “up” signaling that i should wrap my legs around his slim waist so he can lead me to the bedroom.

through the sound and action of teeth clashing, pants, moans, and grinding, he leads me to our bedroom and throws me onto the bed, my hair splayed across my face and the bed. leaning forward, his raspy voice whispers and pants in my ear, “after this, you’re gonna show me that painting of yours and if you’re good, i’ll let you be in control.” he says slapping my ass and biting my lip. gasping at the sound of his voice and the feeling of his hardness pressing into my crotch, i gasp out, “yes sir.”

this is gonna be a long night (and i’m not complaining).

[duskwoodgirl4life]

Please Stay With Me

Chapter 12

⚠️ Trigger warning contains violence ⚠️

Jake and MC had now arrived back in duskwood Jake wouldn't let MC carry any of the bags, he wanted her too get as much rest as possible after what happened in the hospital he wasn't going too take any chances.

They arrived back home and Jake dumped the bags down in the living room and sat down next too MC on the sofa.

She was going through the post she had got a letter for her first appointment for her baby scan. She showed Jake and a smile spread across his face.

Jake: do you want too know the sex?

MC: no I want it too be a surprise

Jake: me too, boy or girl they are going too be the most loved baby ever.

MC: I love you

Jake: I love you too, let's order in tonight I don't want you cooking

Jake put his arm around MC and kissed her on the forehead wrapping his arm around her, she snuggled into his chest just taking in his warmth. The moment was soon broken by MCs phone buzzing she reached over and saw it was another text from Jessy.

Jessy: he is the farther!! No one will ever be able too dispute that fact!! Jake will soon come too realized that he wants too be with me and not you!!

Jake: MC what is it?

MC: I've had enough of this stupid bitch!! Can you tell me where she is?

Jake didn't dare say no so he went too his laptop and tracked Jessy's phone.

Jake: she's at the aroura

MC: right enough is enough!!

MC got up from the sofa and headed for the door, before Jake could stop her she was already out the door and half way down the stairs.

Jake: MC please stop, at least let me drive you there

MC stopped in her tracks and turned around too face Jake

MC: fine!!

MC got in the car and Jake drove her too the bar, Jessy was sat at the bar with a stupid grin on her face. Feeling pleased with her self as she downed her drink before she could put the glass down, she felt am arm on her shoulder spin her round her face went white as she saw a fist coming towards her face knocking her off her seat. She looked up and saw that Mac was stood over giving her the most evil look possible.

MC: you thought I was going too let you get away with this!! You stupid pathetic bitch!!! You send me one more text and you won't live too see your baby grow up!! Now leave me and Jake alone and don't ever come near me again!!

Before Jessy could get up MC stormed out of the bar, Jake went after her too make sure she was okay. Phil went running after them too find out what the hell was going on.

Phil: okay you two, do you wanna tell me what the hell that was?

MC: I'll tell you what that was, that was your sister getting what she deserves after all the toxic texts she's sent me

Phil: what are you on about? What texts

MC pulled her phone out and showed Phil all the messages that Jessy had been sending her, he was in total shock how could his sister do something like this. She wa supposed too be the kind gentle one in the family.

Phil: I'm so sorry, I had no idea she was doing this, the last she told me was she didn't know who was the farther and that she was going too get the test done.

MC: I don't want her too come near me or Jake again, I've had it with her Phil this time there is no going back. Before Phil could reply MC got into the car and slammed the door followed quickly by Jake.

Phil was stunned at what had happened he went back into the bar and found Jessy in the kitchen putting some ice on her face.

Phil: are you going too tell me what the hell that was about?

Jessy: it's nothing

Phil: don't give me that!! MC as just told me what you did, how could you

Jessy: I've lost everything Phil, Richy hates me and so does MC, I just felt alone and wanted her too hurt the same as me.

Phil: that's no where near the same, you can't keep doing this Jessy, you need too sort things out with all 3 of them.

Jessy: Phil I can't...

Phil: yes you can tomorrow 11am here I will get the others here and this gets sorted out.

The drive home was pretty quiet Jake kept giving MC side glancees, she could see that he was worried so she put her hand on his and squeezed it.

Jake: are you okay?

MC: I'm fine, I was angry before I really wanted too hurt her, but I stopped myself

Jake: I understand, things have been far from normal these past few weeks

MC: as long as I have you and out little bundle of joy nothing else matters

Jake parked the car and they headed back into the apartment, he asked MC where she wanted too order and of course she picked her favourite Chinese food. They picked what they wanted and Jake placed the order.

Jessy walked back too Phil's feeling sorry for her self, she knew she had messed everything up and there was no way she could fix any of it. As she walked back too Phil's she bumped into someone she hadn't expected too ever see again.

Jessy: Richy....I..do...do you think we could talk?

Richy: I don't know about that Jessy

Jessy: please Richy.....

Richy: I can't....

Richy walked away as Jessy called out after him trying too get him too turn round.

Jessy: RICHY PLEASE!!! YOUR THE FARTHER

Richy stopped in his tracks and turned round in complete shock.

[moonlit-mizukage]

Chapter twenty four: Leave Shirabu alone 

Summary: Y/l/n Y/n, a third year at Sakura High School, is just a girl with a bad attitude towards anyone outside her small circle. When y/n’s younger sister starts first year, she gains a lot of attention. Unfortunately for everyone in school, the Y/l/n household has one rule, No dating till y/n does. Some people become just desperate enough to pay the leader of the “Monsters”, the trouble making group on campus, to date y/n. What will happen when she finds out? (All characters aged up to third year unless otherwise stated)

TW: Swearing, Oikawa slut shaming, mentions of bullying and violence, mentions of gossip, breaking glass, throwing stuff, property damage. 

Word count: 1.3K 

___________________________________________________________

Tuesday - Y/n POV 

It was only 11am, I was seated in my desk in Mr. Yagami’s English when Oikawa sat down in the desk behind me. He dropped a note over my head to my desk. I opened it and it said: 

Meet me after school in the courtyard at my table - T

I sighed and slipped it into my pocket. Tendou didn’t come to class today, I even went as far as looking around for him in the halls…

I walked with my head down and hands in my pockets as the final bell rang. I felt as if the world was moving so much faster then I was at this moment. I headed outside to my destination. 

I walked around the back way of the school taking a few extra minutes to get to where I needed to be. 

“Hey, can I uh” I took a deep breath. “Can I talk to you?” I asked. He lifted his head looking at me as if he didn’t understand.

“What for?” He asked. 

“It’s about Tendou, please Kyotani.” He let out a deep sigh. 

“I don’t know where he is if you have come to fight him or yell or whatever. I got a job to get to so see you around.” He pushed me as he left from under the bleachers. I looked up at Matsukawa who was still left smoking there. 

“Matsukawa… Can I… Can I have Kyotani’s number?” I said. I could feel myself about to cry. 

“Yeah sure. I assume it’s about Tendou. You look pretty upset, do you want him dead or something.” He asked with a small chuckle. I don’t  know what came over me but I had to finally tell someone. 

“I love Satori, I didn’t realize how much till the night of the dance.” 

“Fuck.” He said back, “I’m uhh, good luck. I know he's pretty messed up right now. He didn’t come to school today and none of us could get a hold of him just like over the weekend. If he apologizes, what will you do?” 

“I don’t know. I want to forgive him and I can understand the money part, I just, I got hurt along the way, you know?” I said. Matsukawa gave me a pat on the shoulder as he left me alone. 

I walked back out forgetting all about Oikawa as I cut through the courtyard. 

“Y/N! I really thought you ditched me!” Oikawa shouted towards me. 

He ran up to me as I sat down at a table. 

“Y/n, I did this for you.” He passed me over his cell phone. “Check the top conversation!” He said pretty excited.

I took his phone and read through the first conversation. It was with Shirabu. I read the few messages there were and looked at him.  

“I don’t- Oikawa are you- I can't even-.” I couldn’t even get through one entire sentence. 

“What are you trying to say y/n?” He asked. 

“You’re an idiot.” With that I stood up and began to walk away. 

“But I apologized!” 

“Over text after all the shit you did to him? I just- Bye Oikawa.” I headed over to the parking lot to Tsukishima’s car where my friends were waiting for me. 

“Did you get his number?” Shirabu asked. 

“Yeah and I also forgot about Oikawa. I will tell you in the car.” We all piled in the car and headed back to Tsukishima’s house for a hang out. 

Wednesday at lunch - Y/n  pov 

I was sitting at my usual table when Oikawa approached my table. 

“Shirabu, can I talk to you for a second?” 

“No.” He said as he continued to eat.

“Okay, I guess I will just say it here then. I want to apologize to you for how I have treated you over the past few yeast since I met you. What I did was wrong and I only did it to separate you and Y/n cause I was jealous. Will you forgive me please?” At that point it sounded more like begging then anything. 

“No.” Shirabu said casually again. 

“What! What do I have to do for you to forgive me!?” He asked almost in a yell. 

“I know it is not a sincere apology. You only did it for the sake of getting with Y/n. So why would I accept it? Besides, you never actually said sorry.” He replied. 

Oikawa walked away, looking pretty angry. Shirabu looked at me as we both laughed about what just happened.

Time skip to Wednesday Night - Third person pov 

A knock on y/l/n’s house occurred around 7pm. Mr. (y/l/n) went to answer the door. He opened it only to see Oikawa standing in front of him. 

“Hello Mr. (y/l/n). We have met before but I came here to ask your permission for Y/n to go on a date with me this friday night.” Y/n’s father just looked at him dumbfounded. 

“Didn’t you just date my other daughter?” He asked. 

“Well yes, but I am in love with Y/n.” Y/n’s father sighed and slammed the door shut on Oikawa, as he turned around and headed back to the table. 

“Who was at the door Daddy?” Mei asked. 

“That Oikawa guy, he came to claim his love for Y/n.” Y/n began to laugh at the table hearing this news. 

“He really is dumb if he thought this would work. He’s a bitch dad. Don’t worry, my taste in men is better then Mei’s now.” I said back to them. 

“Well I am glad, cause who asks someone’s dad after they dated their other daughter?” He asked with a laugh now. 

About 10 minutes later a knock could be heard from the door again. Y/n stood up saying she would get rid of him now. 

“Oikawa what the hell do you actually want?” She asked as she pulled the door open. 

“You to be my girlfriend Y/n! I have been trying for a few days now and you have given me zero interest! I am trying my hardest.” He claimed. 

“You really aren't though. You hurt my twin like no one else could man. That’s something I can’t stand to see. Plus you’re also, like, the biggest asshole I have ever met. Don’t think I don’t see you bullying kids around the school or whispering little gossip games Oikawa. It's pathetic honestly. So just get off my property... Oh and leave Shirabu alone.” She said. 

“I have always loved you Y/n.” Before she had time to react or even think he pulled her into a passionate kiss. She placed her hands on his chest and shoved him back hard, almost knocking him down the three porch steps that were there. 

“You fucking suck Oikawa.” She spit with poison on her words. 

“At least I am better than the future prison gang leader, Tendou.” He said. 

“Take that the fuck back right now.” She said now aggressively pointing at his face.   

“Truth hurts doesn’t it y/n. When you wake up from your fantasy world and come back to reality, I will still accept you with open arms, I might make you get tested first, but I will still love you.” He said. 

Y/n reached behind her as she grabbed a candle from the small table in the entrance way. She threw it with all her anger as it hit square into Oikawa’s passenger seat window. 

“GET THE FUCK OFF MY PROPERTY AND LEAVE SHIRABU THE FUCK ALONE!” She yelled in his face. 

“I’M SENDING YOU THE BILL FOR THIS YOU BITCH!” He yelled as he ran back to his car. 

“I WILL FUCKING BURN IT LIKE I WILL YOUR CAR IF YOU COME BACK!” She yelled as he flipped her off from the safety of his car.

She watched him drive off as she slammed the door and instantly went to her room instead of finishing her meal. She pulled out her phone and opened her group chat sending a simple message to her friends, 

Fuck Oikawa.

___________________________________________________________

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[alternateafterthought]

Arcane - Part 11

Ø  Meaning: Secret, Mysterious, Understood only by few. MAGIC

Ø  Pairing: Panther Hybrid Min Yoongi x Reader

Ø  Summary: Some secrets are kept for the good of people. Some secrets are kept for abuse or power. Yoongi had been a victim of abuse and power, and he wasn’t going to let anyone else use secrets for that purpose. So, when Y/N comes into his life with secrets, he doesn’t want to fall into that rabbit hole again. He doesn’t want to give all his trust to someone who will abuse their power over him. But maybe Y/N’s secrets are a good thing.

Ø  Genre: Hybrid!au, fluff, angst, eventual smut

Ø  Warnings: I know in the last part I warned that it was more intense this part but I somehow left that out and wrote it in a way that it isn’t bad, Of course dealing with this subject there is a small trigger warning... What the character did is not right, and no one should ever have to be put through something like this!! Stay safe out there!

Ø  Word Count: 1625

Ø  A/N: Hey guys… here is the next part of my Min Yoongi fic!! I am back with another part of Arcane!! It has been so long since I posted anything or written anything so I really hope you all like this part and understand that sometimes I just don’t have inspiration to keep writing!! So, I really hope you guys love and support this fic like you did with GOLDEN TIME!! If you want to be added to a tag list, message me or leave a comment or ask!! I would love and appreciate your feedback!! Thank you so much

PREV / NEXT

Y/N couldn’t concentrate.

She wouldn’t lie to anyone and say that she was interested in the paperwork in front of her. In actuality, she couldn’t tell anyone who asked what it was she was supposed to be concentrating on. Her mind was completely preoccupied with the events of her tragic and questionable weekend.

Monday mornings were always hard, coming off a good weekend. Try a Monday morning coming off a horrible weekend. It was currently 11:02 on Thursday after the horrible weekend and no amount of coffee, even the 8 cups Y/N had been through since 5am when she woke up, or distractions would take her mind off of her Hybrid at home.

Said hybrid had been hiding, completely avoiding the outside world, more importantly avoiding Y/N, for days now. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, all the way until today being Thursday and Yoongi still hadn’t come out of hiding.

Every morning Y/N would knock three times on Yoongi’s door, letting him know she was there. She’d leave him a tray of food outside his door before leaving for work, texting him routinely through the day at 11am, 1pm, 4pm just before she would return home to what was pretty much an empty house. It was always so cold, all the lights were always off, no heat, no Yoongi at the door to greet her home.

Every afternoon Y/N would hang her coat and bag, walk to the hall, and see that the tray off food she’d left in the morning had been completely untouched. It was concerning, Y/N didn’t know if Yoongi was eating or not, and from the looks of the cold, untouched food, it didn’t look like he was.

After taking the food back to the kitchen and throwing it out, Y/N would start to fix dinner for the both of them. Leaving a tray at Yoongi’s door before going back and sitting by herself at the table, hoping that maybe Yoongi would join her.

He never did.

And she could blame no one except herself.

Y/N was supposed to help him, protect him. She had promised that no harm would ever come to him. And yet, she was the reason that he completely hid from her, from the world.

She could see it as if it were happening in the moment. Pushing open the door, seeing Yoongi laying on the bed, arms up, eyes wide, begging for help. She could see Hye-Jin looking annoyed as Y/N stood in the door, straddling Yoongi’s waist.

Y/N would never forget the panic that flashed through Yoongi’s eyes, even as Y/N acted. Y/N didn’t waste any time in pulling Hye-Jin off of Yoongi, not saying anything as she threw the girl out of her house, slamming the door in her surprised face as she raced back to Yoongi’s room. She wanted to check on him, make sure he was okay, reach out to him.

But when she finally got back to his door, it was shut, closed off from the world.

Y/N was pulled out of her constant worrying by the ringing of her phone. Shaking her head, she looked at the caller ID, not recognizing the number.

“Hello?” Y/N spoke into her phone, thanking the fact that her office door was closed.

“Hello? Miss Y/N?” A familiar voice asked, though Y/N couldn’t place it.

“This is her? May I ask who this is?”

“Miss Y/N, it’s Jung Hoseok, from HOPE Sanctuary.” The voice cheerfully answered.

“Oh, J-Hope, right?” Y/N smiled widely at the memory of the man who helped her to adopt the hybrid currently hiding from her

“Yes. How are you? How’s Yoongi?”

The question was a dangerous one. How could Y/N explain to the man that had entrusted one of his friends to her, that she had completely and totally fucked up? She didn’t like the thought of lying to him, didn’t like the position she was already in, but how could she tell him what had happened? How could she tell him she was probably the worst thing that could happen to Yoongi?

“Y/N? Are you still there?” J-Hope asked.

“Oh yes, I’m still here.” Y/N forced a laughed. “Sorry just a lot on my mind with work. But I’m good, Yoongi is good.”

“Well that’s good to hear.”

Y/N could hear movement in the back of the phone call, J-hope wasn’t alone, and she could guess just how many were there. 5 hybrids missing their panther and a human who was so much better equip to this job then she was.

“Hyung, ask her…” Y/N heard a small, muffled voice.

“It would seem I have some impatient hybrids with me.” J-Hope’s cheerful voice came through with a laugh. “But they were wondering if that offer still stood? If they were able to come and visit their Yoongi Hyung?”

“Hey, I’m his Hyung!” Y/N heard a protest coming from behind J-Hope.

“Of course, you can.” Y/N heard herself saying without missing a beat. “I’m sure Yoongi would love a visit from you all.”

“Really?” Someone else spoke, seeming to have taken the phone off J-Hope. “We can come visit?”

“Of course, you can visit.” Y/N really just couldn’t stop herself, anything that will ease Yoongi would be welcomed. “I know Yoongi has been thinking about you guys. I was actually going to offer Yoongi if he would like a trip back to the city to see you all.”

“Oh perfect. It seems I have good timing.” J-Hope’s voice was a little distant from the phone, meaning the phone was on speaker now. “When would be the best time for us to come down?”

“You can come down any time you’re ready to.” Y/N moved around some paperwork, looking for her journal.

“We could fly in tomorrow afternoon?” J-Hope proposed, she could feel the nerves of them all.

“Perfect.” Y/N wrote a little note into her journal, noting they would be here. “I’ll clear out the other rooms for you all tonight. Will you be coming with them J-hope?”

“If it’s not too much trouble? I would like to be with them?”

“Of course.” Y/N hoped she could talk to Yoongi tonight. “I’ll make sure to have lots of food ready for you all. I know Yoongi will be happy.”

A cheer rang through the phone, letting Y/N know they were excited for the chance of a trip. She would just hope that Yoongi would be excited to see his brothers after nearly 2 months.

“We should let you get back to work now Y/N.” J-Hope seemed to have finally taken the phone back, placing it to his ear. “I’ll text you the details of a flight, so you know when to expect us.”

“Sounds good.” Y/N smiled, nodding. “I’ll see you all soon.”

“See you tomorrow, Y/N.”

Finally hanging up, Y/N let out a deep sigh, her head in her hands on the desk in front of her. She didn’t know what to do, she had a problem to solve at home with Yoongi and now his brothers were coming to see him. Finally sitting back up she pushed her hair out of her face, picking up her phone and ringing the familiar number, only for it to ring out.

Said hybrid sat in his room, staring at his phone as Y/N’s name lit up the screen in his pitch-black darkness. It’s not like the darkness actually affected him anyway, but still it was dark. Dark enough that he knew if Y/N was home and had walked through his door, like the many times he’s hoped she would in the past week, she’d have tripped.  

Yoongi would never straight up admit it, but he seriously missed Y/N. He knew it was his own doing, hiding himself away from her after what someone else did. But he couldn’t help but feel betrayed that she had let someone like that into his territory.

She had to know. Yoongi couldn’t help but think that Y/N had to know that he wanted to do nothing but protect his territory, and that meant her as well. He just wanted to protect the woman who gave him a change, but she was the one bringing dangers into his territory.

He couldn’t exactly forget it, what that girl felt like pressed against him. Yoongi could never really forget the pure look of lust in her eyes as he tried to get away from her. She had stalk him as if he were the prey and she were the predator, she had used his past against him, and it had won.

He would truly never be able to forgive himself for falling, failing to stop himself from feeling sorry for himself. He already knew that hiding and curling in on himself was wrong, and yet here he was, lying in the dark, staring at a black screen, hoping, praying for Y/N to reach out to him.

They were truly words that would haunt him, words that were whispered into his ear. Words that he had buried deep within his mind and now…

“Your just a pet… this is what your made for.”

“She’ll never please you the way I will.”

“Come on, this is what we got you for.”

“She’ll never love you.”

Again, and again. It was like a broken record playing for his downfall.

Hye-Jin’s words weren’t the first to tell him that, they were a constant in the last few homes he had been in. He just never thought they’d be words he heard while here with Y/N.

Now he just stared at the screen as it lit up again with Y/N’s name. He couldn’t bring himself to answer it, couldn’t bring himself to hear the broken words leave her mouth as he tried to call for him.

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[sunsetcurveofficial]

So with the prompt thing, can you do the bedhead one with Ruke? Would much appreciate it lol

oh my god. i am SO sorry, love. i swear i did not mean to ignore you. tumblr must have eaten your message, because i genuinely did not see it until today. here it is, though, and it’s extra long to make up for it. hope you like it. xx

also available on ao3

“Your bed head is really cute.”

--------------

Luke has always had messy hair. No matter how often he tries to fix it throughout the day, somehow a few minutes later it always looks dishevelled again. But here’s the thing. Reggie loves Luke’s messy hair. He would never admit it, of course, but the messier Luke’s hair is, the more he enjoys watching him. So, naturally, he’s also taken it upon himself to ruffle it whenever he gets a chance. Luke always swats his hands away, shoves him, and glares as he tries to fix it again, but Reggie merely laughs and definitely does not think about how cute Luke looks. Luke is his friend and Reggie loves messing with him. That’s all, honestly. It’s all fun and games until Reggie wakes up next to him for the first time, anyway. 

His parents were fighting again, so Reggie snuck out in the middle of the night and showed up at the first place that came to mind. Luke’s. And Luke hugged him, didn’t make him talk, and they listened to music together until they fell asleep. Together. In Luke’s bed. 

So, Reggie is a little disoriented when he wakes up with his head somehow nestled under Luke’s arm, one of his own slung around his friend’s waist. He feels something flutter in his chest when he realises, and it gets even worse when he notices how warm and comfortable he is. He never thought about sharing a bed with Luke before, and much less waking up next to him, but he finds that he actually made it through without any nightmares for once, instead feeling like he is exactly where he should be, which hasn’t happened in a very long time. It’s nice. 

Luke blinks his eyes open shortly after, grinning the moment he spots Reggie, who still has his face squished against a pillow under Luke’s arm. He hasn’t removed his own arm from Luke’s body either. 

“Morning, bro,” Luke says around a yawn, reaching out to flick Reggie’s nose. He scrunches it up, wiping a hand over it when Luke draws his hand back and laughs. He sits up to look at the time, and Reggie follows suit, his arm dropping from Luke’s waist, albeit a little regrettably. His eyes wander over his friend as Luke turns back to him to inform him that it’s just past 10am, and he can’t help it. He giggles delightedly as he takes in the way Luke’s hair looks even wilder than he has ever seen it before. Not even after a gig. It’s standing up in every direction, the strands falling into his eyes and looking twice as voluminous as usual. He looks adorable. Reggie does realise that’s an odd thought to have about your bro, but he can’t help it. 

Luke frowns, self-consciously scratching at the back of head as Reggie keeps eyeing him, giggles erupting from his chest. 

“What?” Luke asks, running a hand over his mouth. “Did I drool in my sleep or something?” 

Reggie shakes his head. 

“No. Sorry. It’s just… your bed head is really cute.” 

He blushes the moment the words leave his mouth and he can’t believe he actually said that. Surely Luke will never let him live that one down. Luke’s blush is almost more adorable than his bed hair, and Reggie figures he should probably have a good think about what exactly it is he’s feeling for Luke. It’s not normal to find your best bro quite so cute, is it? 

“Cute?” Luke asks, voice so high pitched it almost sounds like a shriek. “I’m not cute.” He pouts. 

Reggie can’t help it. How is he supposed to just shrug it off when Luke is sitting right there next to him looking like a kicked puppy that is most certainly cute, even if he tries to be all cool and intimidating most of the time. 

“Duh huh. Yeah, you are,” Reggie says, because now that it’s out he might as well just roll with it. 

“Am not,” Luke insists, and Reggie kind of really wants to kiss the pout off his face. Okay, right. He definitely needs to talk to Alex. 

In hindsight, Reggie really doesn’t know why he does it. He’s not even that impulsive of a person. If anything, Luke is the impulsive one of the two. And he’s a little horrified at himself when he leans in and kisses the tip of Luke’s nose. He blushes when he draws back, and kind of wants the ground to swallow him whole, but Luke looks so startled, his beautiful eyes so wide and his cheeks so red that Reggie feels a little comforted and manages to shrug it off with a grin. He’s done it, he can’t take it back, so he might as well pretend to be confident about it. 

Luke keeps sitting there mumbling something like “What the hell, bro?” under his breath and stares at him even as Reggie gets dressed. He really needs to talk to Alex. 

“You can close your mouth now, Luke. Otherwise you might accidentally swallow a fly or something,” Reggie says with a grin, running a hand through his hair in front of the mirror to fix his own bed head. Luke does close his mouth, but keeps sitting there looking flustered. Reggie has never seen him like that before, and it does all sorts of funny things to his chest. The mighty Luke Patterson, finally brought to his knees by Reggie Peter’s strange new impulsiveness. Huh. 

“I’m gonna go meet Alex. See you later, babe,” Reggie tells him, and he swears Luke’s jaw drops right open again. Babe? Honestly, Reggie is on fire today. 

+++

“Reg? What are you doing here? It’s 11am!” Alex says when he opens the door. Reggie half walked, half ran to get to his house, so he feels slightly out of breath. He thinks he probably looks a little disheveled as well, if Alex’s worried look is anything to go by. 

“Are you okay? Did something happen?” 

“Not sure,” Reggie manages to say, panting a little. “Maybe?” 

Alex narrows his eyes at him.

“Okay? Well, come in. We can talk in my room.” 

He leads Reggie inside and up to his room. Reggie feels the questions bubbling under his skin, itching to get out, so he jumps right into it as soon as Alex’s door is closed behind them. 

“Do you think Luke’s messy hair is cute?” he asks. Alex looks a little taken aback, a faint blush growing on his cheeks. 

“I mean… yeah? It’s cute enough. Why?” 

“Because I think it’s cute. But that’s not normal, is it? I mean, I think about it constantly. And this morning I woke up next to him because my parents fought last night, and— have you seen his bed head?” 

Alex tilts his head, something like recognition reaching his eyes as he watches Reggie pace as he keeps rambling about Luke’s hair. Reggie pauses for a moment to frown at him, but jumps right back in when the itching gets too bad. “So, I told him it’s cute. And I don’t know why I did that, because it’s weird, right? And Luke pouted, you know, that adorable puppy pout of his? Well, and then I found myself thinking that I would very much like to kiss it off, and that’s— I mean, that can’t be— What does it mean, Alex? I’m kinda freaking out a little bit.” 

Alex snorts, and his frown is replaced by an amused look and a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Reggie finds it a little irritating. Alex should just tell him what it all means instead of smiling like he knows something Reggie doesn’t. 

“I can see that,” Alex says dryly. Reggie wants to kick him. “Well, Reg. It sounds like you got a crush on Luke, dude.” 

Reggie doesn’t have a crush on Luke. Luke is not a girl. Therefore Reggie can’t have a crush on him. Can he? No, wait. That’s a stupid thought to have. Alex is a boy who exclusively has crushes on other boys. Reggie thinks it over for a moment. He remembers Luke’s hair. He remembers sleeping in his arms. He remembers his pout, and his big hazel eyes. He also remembers his voice, and the way he gets all excited when he writes music. Or worse, when he plays his guitar on stage. Okay. So he does have a crush on Luke. That’s new. And interesting.

“Oh,” he says. “I have a crush on Luke? Oh my god! I have a crush on Luke! I’m gay, too?” 

Alex chuckles fondly. Reggie is a little offended about his amusement while he’s having a sexuality crisis, thank you very much. 

“I don’t think you are, bro. You still like girls, don’t you?” 

Reggie thinks that over for a moment as well and comes to the conclusion that yes, he definitely does. 

“Yes. But how can that…?” 

Alex shrugs. 

“You can like whoever you want, Reg. Like Bowie. He says he’s bisexual, because he likes both men and women.” 

Reggie’s eyes light up. Like Bowie? He’s like David Bowie? Well, that’s pretty neat, he thinks. 

“I didn’t even know that was a thing!” he says, smiling delightedly. “I’d love to be more like Bowie. Ha! Bowie, man!” 

Alex smiles happily, getting up from his bed to pull Reggie into a hug. 

“I’m glad you told me, bro. Finally someone to talk about boys with!” 

Reggie laughs. He likes that prospect. 

“Oh my god! Yes. Thank you for helping me figure it out, Alex. I’m a little terrified, I think, but it’s cool. I’ve got you.” 

Alex shoves him playfully, his eyes searching Reggie’s as he puts his knowing grin back on. 

“So what are you gonna do about Luke?” he asks. In his excitement, Reggie has almost forgotten about him. Even though Luke is the sole reason why he’s at Alex’s in the first place, and Luke generally doesn’t have a tendency to leave Reggie’s mind for extended periods of time.

“Luke! That’s right. Oh. Well… you think he might like me back?” 

Reggie isn’t so sure. They couldn’t all like boys, could they? He isn’t sure why he thinks that, though. And Luke blushed rather adorably earlier, after all. 

“I think your chances are better than you think,” Alex says, and Reggie swears he knows something he doesn’t again, “You gotta tell him, dude!” 

Reggie hums. 

“I mean… he did get really flustered when I accidentally kissed him on the nose this morning,” he muses. Alex raises his eyebrows at him. 

“You accidentally…” He snorts. “Only you, Reg.” 

+++

Luke is already at the studio when Reggie arrives for practice that afternoon. Alex and Bobby aren’t there yet, and Luke blushes the moment he sees Reggie. Grinning, Reggie walks right over to him and presses a smooch to his cheek. 

“Hi, babe,” he says casually. Luke visibly splutters, looking even more flustered than he did in the morning, and Reggie absolutely revels in it. 

“Why do you keep calling me that?” Luke squeaks, nearly dropping his guitar as he tries to place it on its stand. Reggie shrugs. 

“Because I like it. And you are. A babe, I mean.” 

Luke looks like his head is about to explode, he’s blushing that hard. It’s the funniest thing Reggie has ever seen, because Luke Patterson is nothing if not confident. His nonchalance, however, is nowhere to be found now. 

“Wh— what?” 

Reggie grins and steps closer, right into Luke’s space. Their noses are almost touching, and Luke’s eyes are impossibly wide when Reggie meets them. He can feel his breath on his lips. 

“Would you mind if I kissed you?” he asks. He doesn’t know when he became the confident one between the two, but he’s enjoying it way more than he should, probably. 

“What?” Luke squeaks again, and Reggie really has to force himself to hold back until Luke gives his consent. Reggie doesn’t want to make him uncomfortable. “Why?” 

Reggie chuckles and nudges his nose against Luke’s. The other boy doesn’t back off, and he takes that as a good sign. 

“Because I like you, man. Very much so. And it’s not just because I think your bed head is cute, although that is a bonus.” 

Luke kisses him. Well, that was easier than he expected. Reggie’s hands come up to Luke’s hair as he kisses him back, starting out softly but quickly becoming a little more frantic as they’re both pushing and pulling at each other. It seems that Luke is regaining his confidence, and Reggie likes that just as much as he likes him all flustered. 

“You haven’t seen your bed head, babe,” Luke breathes as he pulls away after what feels like a blissful eternity. Luke emphasises the pet name, and Reggie chuckles, feeling himself blush a little for change today. 

“So, are we in love, then?” Reggie asks bluntly. He figures there is no point in beating around the bush. The more he looks at Luke looking all kissed and dishevelled, especially his hair that Reggie managed to mess up just perfectly, the more he knows that he is so in love with his best friend, and he doesn’t understand why he didn’t realise it before. 

Luke laughs out loud, looking fond as he reaches out to pat Reggie’s cheek. 

“Yes, you dork. We are so in love.” 

And then he kisses him again, and it’s the best thing in the world. They only part when Alex and Bobby appear in the studio, one of them hooting while the other makes gagging noises. Reggie doesn’t care all that much. He keeps his eyes locked on Luke for the entirety of their rehearsal, his chest fluttering when he remembers why Luke’s hair looks especially messy today, and that he’s directly responsible for it. 

It’s even better when Luke meets his eyes and smiles back at him, though.

-   End.   - 

[shadow-assassin-blix]

A Picture is a Poem Without Words

CHAPTER 11

A/N: Alright. Um. Let’s see. This is build up to a certain event that happens in season 2. The next chapter going to be angsty. Let’s see warnings: in the beginning there is allusions to smut, but then later on there is more detailed smut, blowjob, fingering, sex in general. 

Everything taglist: @mikeisthricedeceased​

Pacho taglist: @yungkvte​

The party lasted several more hours, the partygoers in a state of drunken oblivion that allowed Pacho and Blix to slip away quietly. The two of them drove off to his home and made their way upstairs to his room.

The two of them stripped slowly, crawling onto the bed once they were both naked.

Pacho hovered over her, brushing her hair from her face staring at her with a smirk.

“What?” She asked him, her hand running over his chest softly.

“I just… can’t believe you threatened to cartel members… over me. What did I do to deserve you?” He questioned kissing her firmly.

She kissed him back, her hand cupping his face.

She pulled away briefly to state, “Just lucky I guess.”

She returned her lips to his and they kissed for several minutes. Pacho slowly working his way down her neck and chest. He pressed several kisses to her skin, nipping here and there. Her moans were breathy as he worked.

“Luck? Hm. Not usually a believer in luck,” He muttered against her skin.

She laughed softly at him, “Hm. Don’t know what else to tell you then.”

“Fate. We were destined to find one another,” He countered looking up at her.

“Not a believer in fate or destiny. Then again… never had a reason to believe in those things,” Blix whispered.

“Maybe I’ll make a believer out of you,” Pacho said with a grin. “But first… I’m going to make sure you see stars.”

Her giggles soon turned to moans as he did just that.

The next morning, when they woke up their limbs tangled up around each other, Blix looked at him fondly. She had missed him more than she would ever say. They both quietly stretched and took a shower together. When they got dressed, and made their way downstairs, they discovered quite the crowd sitting in the living room.

Pacho’s arm was draped around her shoulders as they stepped off the stairs.

“What are y’all doing here?” Blix asked the group of men before them.

“We are here to talk business and have lunch. The two of you are late. Then again… I am sure the both of you needed to catch up,” Gilberto answered, his voice teasing.

“Mmhmm. Imma need y’all to not act like schoolgirls just cause we had sex. Most of you are married. You in particular have 3 wives. Maybe focus on your sex lives, or…. As I hear… lack thereof,” She tossed back with a smirk.

“Knife to the heart. No mercy this one,” Gilberto said putting a hand on his heart in mock pain.

Pacho took a seat on the lone chair, pulling Blix into his lap as he does so. She adjusted herself as she sat and listened to them talk about their next phases. As they talked, Navegante walked in, holding the home phone.

“It’s for you,” He said handing it to her.

She stared at him confused, wondering who the hell would call her at Pacho’s house.

“Hello?” She answered taking it from him.

“Hello Miss Lage, this is Judy Moncada. Was wondering if I could steal a few minutes of your time?” Came a feminine voice.

“Go on,” Blix urged curiously.

“I was hoping to have a meeting with the Cali, wanting to form an alliance with them. I was told that you were the one to go to make this meet happen?” Judy explained.

“Hm. Wonder who told you that? Listen, Mrs. Moncada, I’m going to need more info than just wanting an alliance. The brothers are busy, and Pacho will only meet if it is worthwhile. Cocaine is all about the sales, no? Then sale this proposition to me,” Blix prompted ignoring the looks she was receiving from everyone around her.

“Escobar has killed my husband and brother. I want him dead just as much as they do. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get that done. How’s that?” Judy replied firmly.

Blix reached over to grab the calendar and looked it over.

“How does Wednesday, at 11am sound? You get one chance Mrs. Moncada, you better come with a damn good offer,” Blix offered. “Oh. And Mrs. Moncada… I am sorry for your loss.”

“Wednesday at 11 is fine,” Judy answered. “And…. Thank you. You are one of the few people to say such.”

They hung up, and Blix wrote the meeting into the calendar before setting it back on the table.

“Judy Moncada wishes to meet with you and is willing to do whatever it takes to get revenge on Escobar,” Blix informed them, handing the phone back to Navegante.

Diego popped up suddenly with her cell before anyone could say anything.

“Your phone has been going off,” Diego tells her.

She takes it from him and answered it as it began to ring again. She hears an automated voice tell her this was a collect call from a prison in Mexico.

She followed the prompts, standing up and walking away.

She moved outside as the phone picked up.

“Miss Lage. I hear you made quite the arrest. Wanted to give my congratulations,” Came Felix Gallardo’s voice.

“Mr. Gallardo. What a pleasant surprise? Thank you, I suppose. But… I get the feeling that you have more to talk about than my work,” She was suspicious.

“Hmm. No. No hidden motives, other than wanting to see if you’d take my call. Surprised I don’t hear Pacho huffing in the background,” He teased somewhat darkly.

“Mr. Gallardo, I thank you again for the congrats, but unless there is something of actual importance you wish to say to me, I’m hanging up,” She warned her thumb hovering over the end call button.

“Do let Amado and them know… their victory will be brief. Just because I’m in jail doesn’t mean I don’t have any power. Do tell them that, to watch their backs,” He said darkly.

“As for you Miss Lage, that dress you wore? Looked beautiful on you, shame that it had to get dirty chasing down König. Oh. Before I forget… a package should be arriving for you. I do hope you like it,” Felix told her hanging up.

She stared at her phone, walking back into the living room as Diego handed her a package. There was no return address on it. She quietly opened it to find a painting of a pomegranate in a somewhat gothic style.

She stared at it noticing a quote in Latin. It said, “If I cannot move Heaven, I shall raise Hell,” and was written above the fruit, near what appeared to be a gateway painted behind it.

She pulled out the note that was at the bottom of the box.

“The descent into Hell is easy, little shark. Don’t trip, for the monsters will descend upon you. You are becoming quite the Queen of Darkness; I am sad I will not get to witness your descent. – Felix”

She stared at the note, noticing her hand was shaking as she held it. It slipped from her fingers, and she stared blankly at the floor.

Pacho stepped over to her, looking concerned. He picked up the note, and took the artwork with firm hands, looking at them briefly. He tossed them onto the coffee table and stood in front of Blix, lifting her chin up.

“He was the one who called?” he waited for her nod, “Do not accept his calls anymore, okay?”

She simply nodded again, clearing her throat.

“What does this mean? Why is Gallardo sending you this?” Amado questioned looking at the items.

“That day… in the hotel, the art auction? I quoted Horace. He was a Roman poet. Satirist. He became friends with Virgil, another famous poet. The quotes… those are his. The Pomegranate is a symbol of Persephone, a goddess of spring who became the Queen of the Underworld when she married Hades,” She explained motioning to each piece of the message.

“It’s a warning. That even someone as pure Persephone could fall,” Pacho surmised.

Blix nodded at his guess.

“He wanted me tell you to watch your backs. That he still has power despite being in jail,” She informed Amado sitting back down.

Amado scoffed muttering under his breath. Blix stood up again and walked down to her library. She needed some space and a moment to breathe.

She took a seat at her window nook and sighed softly. She was left alone for a good hour, when Pacho stepped into check on her.

“Lunch is ready, would you like to eat in here, or would you be okay with eating with us? Amado and the others have already left. It’s just Gilberto, Miguel, and Chepe,” He quietly informed her.

She looked at him, slowly making her way to him.

“Would love it… if we could just have one day free of drama. Just one,” She pleaded as she wrapped her arms around him.

“I know. I’m sorry, my love,” Pacho whispered to her, returning her embrace.

The two of them walked out, toward the dining room, joining the others for lunch.

The rest of the day went by in a blur and soon enough it was the next day.

She woke up, simply throwing a robe on not wanting to get dressed yet. She wandered downstairs, vaguely aware that it was oddly quiet.

She made her way into the kitchen where Pacho was cooking.

“Well. This is quite the sight,” She commented as she stared at him.

He smirked up at her, motioning for her to sit, as he focused on the meal.

“Where is everyone? It’s oddly quiet,” She looked around noticing she couldn’t even see guards patrolling.

He simply presented breakfast to her, pancakes and bacon, simply telling her to eat.

She does as requested staring at him with suspicion. Once she had finished, he took the plate away, washing it off, and putting it in the dish-machine.

“Today, it is just going to be me and you. The guards are still here, just further away. I thought you and I could go for a drive around town. Spend time together,” Pacho finally spoke.

Blix smiled at that, nodding her head. She got up from her seat and went upstairs to get dressed. She got dressed in some jeans and a cute halter top, throwing on some flats. She wandered back downstairs once she was ready, meeting Pacho in the garage. He held open the door to his green Porsche, bowing dramatically.

Blix laughed at his bow, thanking him in an overly posh voice as she stepped in.

The two of them drove into town, just enjoying each other’s company. They stopped occasionally to go shop or explore an area. It was nice to just relax and talk about random things. He drove her to his old neighborhood, showed her where he and Alvaro grew up.

“Remind me one day, to take you to New York and meet my family there. I am sure you would enjoy it,” Blix said as she held his hand.

“Hm. May have to take you up on that. So, what would you like to do now?” He asked her as they continued driving around.

She bit her lip as a thought came to mind.

“… How long do we have the house to ourselves?” She asked with a flirty smile.

“All day,” He replied simply with a smirk.

She leaned over resting her chin on his shoulder, kissing him randomly. Her hand slid over onto his thigh, squeezing it briefly. He sucked in a breath as her hand moved over to the growing bulge in his pants, rubbing it firmly.

“Darling…” He breathed, his hands clenching on the steering wheel.

“Yes, dear? Something the matter?” She said coyly as her hand continued their ministrations.

He pulled her hand away, holding it tightly in his, “You’re going to make me crash.”

Blix gave him a Cheshire-like grin and simply held his hand.

They drove home and made their way upstairs to his room. She made him sit down and straddled his hips. The both of them had long kicked off their shoes. She undid his pants, and he helped her by shoving them and his boxers off. She slid to her knees, positioning herself in between his legs.

She ran her hands her up and down his length, enjoying the soft breathy moans that were escaping him. She leaned forward, running her tongue over the tip, before slowly taking him into her mouth. She took as much as she could tolerate into her mouth, her hands taking care of the rest.

She bobbed her head up and down, moving slowly and purposefully at first, before picking up speed which caused several groans and grunts to escape Pacho lips. Sounds that she absolutely loved to hear.

Pacho at some point stopped her, gently motioning for her to pull away. He kissed her deeply, leaning down to her as he unbuttoned his shirt. She slipped out of her jeans, breaking the kiss for a second to also toss her shirt off, as he dragged her back onto the bed.

Her bra flew off at some point, and Pacho ripped her underwear off without care. Blix was lying on her back, as Pacho moved down to between her legs, and return the favor. His fingers dipped in and out, teasingly. He began to firmly thrust them inside her, while his thumb brushed over her clit firmly.

His mouth moved to replace his thumb, his tongue lavishing it sweetly. She could feel the pleasure building up swiftly and just before she could come, he pulled away. She whined at that, glaring down at him. He kissed his way back up to her lips, wrapping her legs around his waist as he lined himself up and slid in.

She moaned at the fullness she felt as he seated himself deeply. She rocked her hips, wanting him to move.

“Impatient, are we? Perhaps I should teach you some better manners? Only good girls get what they want,” Pacho teased, still not moving.

“Pacho. Move, please,” She pleaded softly with an exaggerated pout.

He chuckled at that, “Well. Since you asked so nicely.”

He began thrusting, long and powerful movements that led to short fast paced ones. It didn’t quite matter the speed at that point, the both of them were so turned on, that neither of them were going to last very long.

They reached their peaks in no time flat and collapsed in each other’s arms. Pacho began to pull out, when Blix stopped him.

She quietly told him to just stay, and he does so, resting his weight against her body softly.

He gently brushed her hair out of her face, pressing kisses randomly to her cheeks.

“How are you feeling my love?” He gently asked kissing her chin.

“Quite well. Today was very nice, thank you,” She tells him sweetly.

“Hm. It’s not over just yet, I have a lovely dinner planned for us this evening. The chefs are working on it as we speak. I plan to woo you,” Pacho said with a smile. “In fact, I think we should go take a bath.”

Pacho pulled away from her slowly, pulling her along with him, to his large jacuzzi-like bathtub. He turned the water on and threw some bath salts and threw in some bubble bath mix. When the water was a decent level, the both of them stepped in; Blix settled with her back against his chest, resting between his legs.

They turned the water off eventually, just relaxing. Pacho peppered her neck in kisses and bites as they sat.

“So… what’s on the agenda for tomorrow?” She eventually asked, turning her head to look at him.

“Mh. Not much, I have to go check on some locations. Make sure security is running properly. Would you like to join me?” He offered her.

“If you are comfortable with it, sure. Apparently, I am the go between,” Blix said with a snicker.

Pacho chuckled as well, kissing her cheek.

“Wouldn’t have offered it if I wasn’t comfortable with it. Diego will be with us,” Pacho informed her.

Blix nodded, yawning as she was hit with a wave of exhaustion.

“Hm. Should get out soon, dinner may be ready by now. Don’t want you falling asleep at the table,” Pacho teased.

The two of them stepped out, rinsing off before they threw on some underwear and robes. They didn’t feel the need to get too dressed up, since it was going to just be the two of them. They ate and quietly talked about nothing.

Once they had finished, they stepped out on to the covered patio, sitting outside to listen to the soft sounds of the rain.

“Did you ever figure out how your father was able to get pass security?” She asked wanting to know.

“Paid off one of the security guards to create a distraction somewhere on the grounds. That guard has since… been disposed of. No more troubles on that end,” Pacho assured her, holding her hand in his.

She nodded her head, leaning against him.

She tiredly tells him, “Haven’t gotten to tell you but uh… I got promoted.”

He turned and looked at her with surprise, a proud smile growing on his face.

“Well. Actually, I was offered any office in the world… but… I decided to stay here. So, I was promoted to be the new lead supervisor here in Colombia,” She explained further.

“Any office in the world? And you chose to stay here? Why’s that?” He questioned curiously.

“Hmm. Don’t know… Could be there’s this really hot guy I’m seeing?” She said teasingly.

“Oh? Really? Do I know this guy?” He asked joining her little joke.

“Think so. Brown hair and eyes, a face so pretty I want to punch it every now and again because of it, a lovely smile that he doesn’t show very often. He tends to be a bit overprotective, but I still love him. Sound familiar?” She listed with a smile.

“Mmhmm. Indeed. Sounds like a pretty good reason to stay,” Pacho replied kissing her cheek.

“That and I quite like Cali. Didn’t think I would when I came here but it’s grown on me,” Blix revealed thinking back to when she first came here.

Pacho raised an eyebrow curiously, motioning for her to elaborate.

“I was previously located in Greece and I loved it there. Thought about actually taking a permanent position there but there was greater need here in Colombia. So, I followed orders as a dutiful agent would. I hated everything. The heat, the humidity, the bugs. Working with men who thought I was a damsel in distress 24/7. It was awful,” She recalled scrunching her nose a bit.

“What wound up changing your mind?” Pacho inquired staring at her incredulously.

“Honestly? Horacio. Granted, he too was a bit reserved about me coming onboard here. He eventually realized that I could hold my own and became a bit like an older brother to me,” She explained softly. “I had a really bad habit in working so much that I would forget to eat, and he noticed that. Would check in on me and if I couldn’t recall when I ate last, he made me stop working immediately and go get food.”

Pacho nodded in understanding, “So, he was the first one to sort of welcome you to the country and made it more bearable?”

Blix nodded in response, “Yeah. He would invite me over to his home and have dinner with his family. He treated me like family and made my first year here more tolerable.”

“Which is why you got so upset when I suggested you two were together when we had that first lunch together that day. I see my mistake,” He said with a nod as he thought back to the second time they met.

She chuckled at that with a firm nod.

As the rain began to pick up, they made their way back inside and upstairs, back to bed. Blix felt a dull pain in her shoulder that was slowly building. She moved her arm back and forth, trying to work out the stiffness that was forming. Pacho motioned for her to lay down on the bed, on her stomach.

She shrugged off the robe, doing as requested, tucking her arms under the pillow. She felt him sidle up next to her on the bed, and felt his hands slowly run over her back. His hands began to massage her back, working out the knots he found. She groaned every time he worked on a spot that was particularly tight.

The impromptu massage was so relaxing that she wound up falling asleep. Pacho finished, smiling at the soft snores he could hear coming from her. He made a few phone calls to make sure everything was good to go for tomorrow’s meeting before lying back down next to Blix.

He laid on his side, admiring her, his fingertips running over the many scars he could see. He fell asleep, smiling briefly when he felt her move closer to him, seeking his warmth.

The next morning, the clouds had cleared away, showing a bright sunny day. She woke up to the sun on her face, and Pacho still asleep behind her. She sat up with ease, sighing quietly as she realized the massage had made sure she didn’t wake up tense.

She grabbed one of his shirts, throwing it on haphazardly as she got up and made her way to her bedroom to change. She threw on some dark wash jeans and a tank top. She stepped into some cowboy boots knowing they were going to meet at the ranch, and she had planned to ride Phobos while they spoke.

Despite having not talked to Pacho for a month, she still made trips out to the ranch to see Phobos. She always felt better after spending some time with him, whether it was going for rides or simply grooming him.

She walked downstairs, hearing movement and found Diego with a few of the guards talking quietly.

“Hello Diego. What’s happening?” Blix asked him, wondering why everyone was acting strangely.

“Escobar escaped prison last night and is apparently on a bit of rampage,” Diego informed her.

“Shit,” Blix said as she walked over to her bag with her phone.

She had a few missed calls, and as she answered them, she was given more details. DEA found out that Escobar had created a palace and had proof of it, but the ambassador wouldn’t do anything with it. So, they went to a local news station and gave them the info which led to public outrage. Which then led to an investigation at the prison that went awry, and Escobar escaped.

“Javi… You have the worst luck,” Blix said to him when he recounted everything to her on the phone.

“Yeah. I know. But the President is embarrassed and wants this fixed. There’s been talk that he may be bringing Carrillo back,” He said with a sigh.

“Good. He didn’t deserve to be shipped off to Spain anyway. It would be nice to see him again,” She said mostly to herself.

“Heh. I’ll keep ya update if they decide to bring him back,” He promised before hanging up.

She had wandered into the kitchen when she was making the calls, taking a few bites of an arepas filled with eggs. She munched on it as she returned the living room, smiling when she saw Pacho up and dressed for the day.

As she stood next to him, he stole a bite from her arepas causing her to gasp dramatically.

“How rude? Is mine,” She pouted as he tried to take another bite. “Diegoooo! Make him stoopp!”

Diego laughed at her plea, shaking his head.

She begrudgingly shared her food with him as they made their way to the cars. The trip to the ranch didn’t take long, and as Pacho got security set up for when the brothers arrived, Blix and Diego went over to the stalls.

Diego saddled up a horse as a stable hand brought Phobos out to her, ready to go. She gave him a couple of pets, cooing to him, before mounting him. Once Diego was ready to go, the two of them took a stroll around the property.

“So, what’s been happening since you decided to disappear on us?” Diego asked curiously.

Blix told him about her promotion and her decision to stay here. Diego raised an eyebrow at that.

“Hm. Staying here eh? You going to stick around with us then? Or you going to continue pretending you are a good girl?” He asked in a joking manner.

She snorted at that, “Yeah. My role has basically become a desk job. My second, Theo, he is taking over the active missions. I have no true need for my place now. Would it bother you if I wound up taking a more permanent residence here?”

“No, actually I wouldn’t mind it at all. Pacho tends to act more rationally when you are around. When I say we all tried for well over an hour to get him to have his hand properly looked at the party, I mean it. He wouldn’t listen to any of us,” Diego remarked.

“What exactly happened that led up to that point? He has yet to tell me,” Blix wanted to know.

Diego slowed his horse down to a stop, pausing as he took a deep breath.

“The older Salvador? The one whose hands you pinned down with a knife? Made several… comments about his sexuality…about me… and you… Usually he is able to ignore them but when the comments turned to you, he was not okay. He gripped his glass so hard that he shattered it trying to not cause a fight,” Diego told her with a wince.

“Hm. Note to self, maim him next time I see that worthless piece of shit,” Blix noted with a scowl.

Diego snickered at that, “So violent. I love it though. We should probably start heading back. I doubt their meeting will last too much longer.”

Blix nodded, they had been riding for about an hour at that point and it didn’t take them very long to return to the ranch. The two of them dismounted their horses and handed them off to a stable hand who was planning to give them a thorough grooming.

They rejoined Pacho, who was standing with the brothers and an older woman who she presumed was Judy Moncada.

“Hello, Mrs. Moncada. It is a pleasure to meet you,” She greeted her, holding her hand out to shake.

“Miss Lage, a pleasure to meet you as well. Thank you for this very beneficial introduction. I hope to see you at our next meeting. Word has it you can be quite ruthless,” Judy noted looking at her with a bit of scrutiny.

“Hm. Yes. But only when it comes to protecting what’s mine. Not sure I’d be much help in your one-woman war against Escobar,” Blix admitted looping her arms arounds both Pacho’s and Diego’s, proudly.

Judy nodded, “An honest woman. I like that. I simply hope Escobar doesn’t take anything from you like he has done me.”

Judy walked away at that, getting in her car driving off. Blix didn’t want to admit it…but that last statement left her with a feeling of dread. She knew it was just Judy speaking from her pain, but it came off as a warning in Blix’s mind. She mentally shook it off for now, trying to dismiss the anxious thoughts that swirled in her mind.

Pacho, Diego and Blix returned home where Blix received word that Carrillo was returning to Colombia, and that he’d be back by tomorrow afternoon.

While initially, she was thrilled at that, Judy’s words still circled in the back of her mind. Something was telling her… that something terrible was going to happen. She just wasn’t sure what.

Diego and Pacho both could tell something was bothering her and tried their best to distract her. It worked for a time but even later on as she laid in bed, the feeling of dread still loomed, and sleep was hard to come by. She hoped it was just her mind playing tricks on her, but only time would tell whether her worry was warranted or not.

[miyaniacs]

Mafia AU - Bokuto x fem!reader

Chapter 8 - I love you’s and lies

Chapter 7- take you home ; Index ; masterlist

warnings: slight NSFW and FLUFF

a/n: this is kind of long upss - also sorry for typos, I looked through it and corrected everything but then posted it and everything was gone except the headline, so I had to edit everything again but was too lazy too really correct everything again ( two times ) 

Thursday, 9am

The sun shines on your face.

You groan and hide your face in the sheets. Your head hurts. You extend your arm and reach for your phone.

9:48 am.

Well your class already started so there’s no need to get up now.

You’re about to put your phone away when a message pops up.

From: Bokuto

9:48am

Hey there sunshine!  I hoped you slept well! I’m sorry for not texting you before, I was busy with .. work… and well yeah- don’t worry tho I’m fine!

9:48am

I miss you..

9:49am

Do you want to hang out today?

You feel something shift behind you, immediately you’re pulled back against a strong chest, as small kisses are planted all over your shoulders.

Forgetting about the messages you’ve just read, you turn around and look up at beautiful olive eyes. “Good morning my love.” He says in his even deeper morning voice.

“Hey baby.” You beam back, pressing kisses all over his face.

“How’d you sleep?” He laughs softly.

“Perfect! Your bed is so comfy - I can’t believe you hid it from me all the time.” You playfully pout.

Ushijima laughs softly and rolls on his back, pulling you with him.

“That’s not funny.” You pout and he laughs even more. “Wait until you see the rest of it - and wait until you get a taste of the amazing coffee I make.” He smirks and kisses your forehead.

“Oh? An amazing coffee made by my amazing boyfriend?” You joke around until you realise what you just called him. Your whole body stiffens and you start ramble: “I - I that’s not what I meant I know we -“ but Ushijima interrupts you.

“Baby, baby, stop. There is no need to apologise. I’d love it when you call me your boyfriend.” He smiles at you lovingly.

You look up at him with big eyes, a blush on your face and a big smile.

“Does that mean … that you’ll call me your girlfriend? That you introduce myself as your girlfriend when we’re with others?”

“Yes baby. That’s what I mean. I would love to make things even more official, so everyone knew you’re mine and that they better not mess with you… but I can’t  You still got your job to do.” He frowns.

Ah yes, the job.

Bokuto.

You sigh at the thought of his face, his golden eyes.. his smile.

“But love, don’t worry. I trust you. I know that you’ll always come back to me at the end of the day. That your heart belongs to me. I uhm… I’m sorry if I come off too jealous … I just.. I wasn’t sure if you’d feel the same.. and..” You shut him off by placing your lips on his.

“You big stupid idiot. Of course I feel the same.” You chuckle.

“Say it.” He looks into your eyes.

“I love you Toshi.” You say softly and blush.

Ushijimas face breaks his usual neural mask and he smiles.

He smiles such a beautiful and heartwarming simile, you have never seen him smile like this before.

“I love you too Y/N.” He leans upwards and kisses you passionately, rolling over you, deepening the kiss. “ I love you so so much.” He mutters over and over again. It feels as if a wall broke done between the two of you.

Your hands roam over his broad shoulders and you begin to kiss his neck when you hear your phone ring.

Ushijima rolls to his side and groans.

Grabbing your phone you look at the caller ID and suck in your breath.

“It’s him right?” He rolls his eyes when he sees you nod, “Then go get it.”

“Hey?” You shyly say.

“HEYY Y/N! Sorry did I wake you up?” Bokuto beams and you feel Ushijima shift beside you.

“No noo, you didn’t ! What’s up Kou?” Your smile quickly drops as soon as you see Ushijima sitting in-between your legs, evilly smirking. You mouth a “NO” and try to crawl away, but he simply grabs your legs with his big hands holding you in place - and then he begins his magic.

“Oh nothing much…, I uhm… I just missed you..” Bokuto stutters. You let out a surprised squeal when you feel two fingers inside of you.

“Oh.. uhm I’m sorry I shouldn't have called you.” Bokuto begins. “No noooo I’m sorry I was just surprised. Uhm… do you want to meet up?” You ask, trying your best to ignore Ushijima.

“YES! I- uhm I mean Yes, sure.” You can practically see Bokuto scratching his head through the phone and you smile to yourself.

“So… tonight at uhmmm.. 8pm?” You suggest.

“Yes! Perfect- I’ll pick you up at yours and we can go shopping and then head to mine?” He asks now shy again.

“That sounds perfect Kou.” You smile.

“Okay - I - uhm need to go now. Boss is calling.” He laughs, “ See you tonight!” And he hangs up.

Immediately you throw your phone on the other side of the bed and your hands grab Ushijimas hair. You scream when he bites your clit. “TOSHI OMG!”

“So … tonight?” He mumbles against you, “What do you two do?”

“I… ughhhhh fuckkkk - we chill at his… and — AHHHG!” Arching your back you groan and grab the pillow.

“Ahh… so you and him alone… in his flat.. late at night…” his fingers move faster and faster while his tongue circles around your sensitive knot.

“No.. Toshi.. this.. OMG TOSH I’M GONNA COME!”

“Yes babygirl, scream my name.” He demands.

“USHIJIMA !!!!” You scream and lift up your body.

Thursday, 11am

“Andddd here’s your special coffee!” Ushijima places the coffee mug in front of you on the table.

Taking a sip you frown.

“Wow. I can’t believe you’ve hid, an amazing bed, this beautiful view, this whole beautiful place, AND that you’re practically a barista. Ushijima? Who are you? OH also are you a florist? How do you keep all those plants alive?” You shake your head and he laughs loudly.

“I’m sorry love, I promise you form this day on, you’ll get to see all of me.” He smiles and looks at you with love filled eyes.  You grab his face and kiss him passionately.  His hands wander down your body and he grabs your waist, lifting you up. Your legs wrap around his torso, your hands find their way to his hair. His arms move upwards to your back, pulling you closer to him.

Pulling away, Ushijima looks into your eyes. His eyes are soft, so incredibly soft, you feel your heart getting heavier with each second you look into them.  Then your stomach grumbles, ruining this perfect moment.

“Well… I’ll better make something to eat.” He laughs.

Thursday, 7:50pm

You came home just a few minutes ago. You and Ushijima spent the day at his, watching movies talking, cuddling and eating. Today felt as if you finally got to know him. From now on you can say that you know the infamous Ushijima Wakatoshi, that you truly know him.

As for now, you stand in front of your mirror, you’re wearing some tight black highwaisted sports leggings, an oversized dark grey cropped hoody and some black platform Doc Martens. Pulling up the hood, you grab your phone and head towards the front door. Bokuto should be there in a few minutes and you definitely need some fresh air to clear your mind and get into your role.

You hear the sound of the black Bugatti and in a matter of seconds it’s parked right in front of you.

Taking a deep breath you put on a fake smile and open the door. The second you see Bokutos face though, your fake smile switched into a real smile. He’s dresses as casual as you are. Grey sweatpants, black oversized T-Shirt and a black and yellow Nike Jordans cap, which he has on backwards.

“Hey there!” He smiles as you sit down and close the door.

“So… shopping now?” You wiggle your brows and smirk.

“You bet!” He says sheepishly and speeds down the road.

“How was your day?” You ask casually.

“Well… the usual…” He scratches his head, “Some business to deal with, but everything worked out just fine.” He smiles and quickly looks over at you.

“Ohh - well I’m glad.” You smile and look out of the window. Bokuto turns on the music and ironically “Gangsta’s Paradise” starts playing. You look over at him with an are you serious - look, but Bokuto just smirks and starts sining along on the top of his lungs while turning up the volume.

“Tell me why are we so blind to see That the ones we hurt are you and me?" He sings and you just had to join him.

“Been spendin' most their lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise Been spendin' most their lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise Keep spendin' most our lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise Keep spendin' most our lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise" you two sing on the top of your lungs

He stops the car on the parking lot of the grocery store and looks at you. For a second it’s silent then you two burst out in laughter.

“Okay okay, let’s get out.” You menage to say while trying to catch your breath.

You walk over to get a shopping cart and walk back to Bokuto, who’s already waiting for you with an evil smirk on his face.

“Kou - what are you planning now?” You ask and stop in front of him, a worried expression on your face.

“This.” He says and jumps in the cart, “TO THE SNACKS” he yells and extends his arm as if he’s some general on a horse, telling his soldiers to march forward.

“Omg why am I doing this to myself?” You fake whine and gather all your strength to move the cart.

“You do it for the SNACKS!” He laughs.

About an hour later, you got all the chips, chocolates, ice cream, sweets, drinks, alcohol and a watermelon, which Bokuto - still sitting in the cart - holds proudly. You move to the check- out, Bokuto lifts all the stuff out of the cart and pays - still in the cart. All the people around you two look as if you’re the craziest thing they have ever seen. The best looks you two get are the ones when you move the cart to the black Bugatti, that everyone on the parking lot is starring at.

Winking at you, Bokuto revs up the engine drives off to his apartment.

Friday 1:20am

All the snacks are open, the water melon exploded in the kitchen, the bottle of tequila almost empty and you and Bokuto have a dane off to “Hollaback Girl”.  Sadly you have to admit that he is winning, simply and only to the fact that he can throw it back like a pro.

The song switches to “No Diggity” and Bokuto walks up behind you wrapping his arms around you, pressing his body against yours while you start moving your hips to the beat.

His lips find the soft skin right behind your ear.

You arch your back at the sudden contact, pressing your lower back even tighter against him.

“You’ve been with him this morning, haven’t you?” He purrs into your ear. You bite your lips and shake your head. “Don’t lie to me. I know what he’s done while I called you.” He growls in such a deep voice, your whole body shivers. “Kou.. I’m sorry I-“ you begin but quickly stop talking as you feel him biting down on your skin. “I know you’re not sorry, love. You enjoy all of this right? Having two dangerous man fighting over you?” He starts sucking on your neck, leaving marks that’ll be hard to cover up. You lean your head back against his shoulder, giving him more space to work with. One of his hands move under your hoody, fingers gazing over your skin. “I can’t blame you, love, yet I can promise that I’ll fight for you.”

Your heart arches at his words. Bokuto is so honest with his emotions and you start to feel a warm feeling filling up your heart. You can’t let this happen, you’ve just told Ushijima that you loved him, have you been lying? No. You do love him, but what is this feeling now? What is this warm feeling that fills you up?

Bokuto moves you around in his arms finally looking down at your beautiful face. With big eyes you look up to him, how could he hold back now? His lips crash with yours in a hungry kiss that leaves you breathless afterwards.

“Kouu..” You moan against his lips, but he pulls away.

“No. Not now.” he turns away. You open your eyes and the second his hands left your body you feel cold and empty.

“What.. Bokuto .. I’m sorry .. “ you stutter confused.

“No, it has nothing to do with you. I just.. I want to be sure that you really want me and that it’s not the alcohol speaking.” He says shyly and looks at the ground. At this moment, he looks more like a 16 years old that has to ask his mother to leave the house and not like a gang member.

“Thank you for being so respectful.” You smile warmly at him and walk towards him.

He looks over to you, “ You don’t think I’m weak for being that way?”

“What?! NO! How could I?” You ask confused.

“I - It’s just - I feel like I have to act a certain way since I’m in a gang… and that I don’t really fulfil those expectations.” He looks at you with big eyes. Gently you place your hands on either side of his face forcing him to look at you.

“Bokuto, there’s nothing wrong with it. You’re still dangerous and whoever messes with you has some serious death wishes. Also I believe you don’t show this side to everyone.” You smile at him and kiss his nose.

“No.. only to the ones I trust.” He mumbles embarrassed, “Have I trusted you too early, y/n?” He asks innocently and your heart breaks.

Yes yes, he did. He certainly did, but he’s not one to blame. You’ve been too open and carefree around him. You didn't act, they’ve all been your true emotions and feeling. Who is he to blame for trusting you?

“Yes Kou you did, but it’s fine. I won’t betray you.” You say and his eyes lit up.

“Thank you. It’s so hard for me to find someone to trust and who accepts me outside the gang.” He kisses your cheek and grabs your hand, “NOW we haven’t decided who won the dace off!” He laughs and starts looking for the right song.

You feel your phone vibrating.

From Tosh:

Are you okay?

Yes I am.

Okay good. Please, remember that you’re just playing a role…

I know Toshi.

Good, sorry.. I’m just worried. I’m with the boss rn and he asked where you are and I just- got worried...

I know- but you don’t have to, I’m all yours love.

I love you.

Shaking your head, you brush off the feeling of guilt and put your phone away.

Bokuto looks at you with sharp eyes.

“Hm?” you ask and look at him confused.

“Does he know you're with me?” he asks.

How. How is he able to read you so easily?

“Yes he does.” you honestly reply.

“Good.” he smirks, “I hope it bother his as much as it bothers me knowing you’re with him.” You roll your eyes and grab his phone. “You take too long to find a song.” you comment and scroll though his playlist. He hugs you from behind and he rests his chin on your shoulder. “How about we end the night with some movies?” he kisses your shoulder. “Sounds like a plan.” you smile and add “Movies and cuddles?”

“Baby, by deciding to have me as friend you signed up for a lifelong subscription for cuddles.” he laughs.

Friday, 4:40 am

Bokuto wakes up by his phone ringing.

“Yes?” he answers still sleepy.

“Bokuto? Where are you?” Sakusa asks from the other line.

“Home. Why?”

“Come to the club now. We got some business to take care of?”

“What kind of business?”

“We found someone who works for the Adlers and we need our best man to make sure we get all the needed information out of him.”

“Coming.”

Bokuto sighs and hangs up. He looks down at your sleeping form. Gently he frees himself out off your grip and lifts you up, carrying you to his bed.  He stays for a few more seconds, gently running his fingers through your hair. The he kisses you goodbye and leaves.

Taglist (open) : @kageyamasbraincell , @tendouthighs ,  @lilacshouko @softhourswithseb @theperksofcoffee @cuddlesslut  @shhhlikeme​, @kynyta @yammmers  @asahi-is-jesus-periodt @hxnni-bxnni @theduvetpirate @chromaticstudio​ @gywjd0131​

[moldisgoodforyou]

i’ll be waiting (part two)

gif from @toesure​

yeah so let’s be honest, I started writing part two only a couple hours after I posted the first part because I made myself too sad. reminder: this is not canon because it hurts :-) but it is realistic to what would happen if there was a breakup. if you haven’t already, read part one here!

wordcount: 1.9k

Charlie lifted her head to meet his eyes, trying to take in his piercing look. “I can’t be here for you, J. This is it. You deserve better.” 

“Fuck that.” He shook his head insistently. “I hardly deserve you as it is.” He pressed a firm kiss to her lips, needy. “I love you, Charlie.” 

She barely puckered her lips back, trying to keep her resolve. “I love you too. Always.” With that, she stepped out of his grip, though JJ fought it. “I should go.” 

“I’ll be right here.” He promised. “When you change your mind, I’ll be waiting.” 

Charlie nodded, biting her lip as she took in the sight of him, illuminated by the moonlight. “I’m so sorry.” 

He shook his head, unwilling to hear it. “I’ll be waiting.” 

With that she walked away, leaving behind the better half of her heart - completely shattered. 

Charlie pulled her jacket tighter around herself as she walked away from JJ, for what she presumed was the last time. As she realized the jacket wasn’t hers - it was one of JJ’s that she had kept for forever - she let out a short sob, kicking the front door of her house. She swallowed hard and roughly swiped her sleeve across her cheeks, trying to hide all evidence before she walked past her parents. 

“Honey, is that JJ’s car outside?” Her mom questioned the second Charlie stepped inside. 

“Yeah.” Charlie took a deep breath, willing herself not to cry again. “We broke up.” 

Her mom’s eyes widened in shock, jaw dropping. “You did what?!” 

“Suzie, give her space -” Her dad interjected, trying to diffuse the situation right away. 

“Did you - did he -” She fumbled with her words, trying to understand. 

Charlie frowned. “I broke up with him. It’s for the best.” She then headed upstairs, ignoring her mom’s calls after her. It took everything in her willpower to not look out the window toward JJ, to not run back out there and take it all back. 

_________

Meanwhile, JJ was at a complete loss. He had spent the past hour sitting out on the dock, alone, waiting for Charlie to come back and apologize, say she had changed her mind, that she was wrong. But he watched her go inside, head up to her room, and the light flicked off after only ten minutes. With a huff, he laid back and laced his fingers behind his head, staring up at the dark starry sky. 

A half hour later, the sound of the calm water lulled him to sleep. He was exhausted, emotionally, and just gave in to his heavy eyelids. Not much longer, he was startled awake by the sound of footsteps echoing off the dock. He sat up quickly, assuming he was about to be kicked off of private property. He paused before getting up, confused by what he saw. 

“Get up, honey.” Charlie’s mom stood there with a blanket in her arms and two water bottles. 

JJ slowly rose, shoving his hands in his pockets. His voice was rough as he spoke. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Walker, I’ll just go.” 

“It’s late, JJ, where are you going?” 

“Um…” he rocked back on his heels, dejected. “Back to Columbia, I guess. I dunno.” 

She tutted. “You’re not driving all the way back to Columbia now, it’s too dark. You can stay here tonight.” 

He shook his head quickly, raising his hands. “I really can’t, Mrs. Walker. I don’t want to intrude, and I just - Charlie won’t -” he choked up a little. “I can’t.” 

Her mom just gestured for him to follow her, heading up toward the house. “Come on, JJ.” 

After a moment, JJ finally followed. He stopped just shy of the porch. “I can’t go in.” 

“I figured you’d say that. You can stay on the hammock out here with the blankets and in the morning, you can drive home. Alright?” Her mom set down the blankets and the water bottles for him. 

He almost teared up again from the kind gesture, hesitantly stepping up to the hammock suspended on the porch. Her mom gave him a warm smile. “If I hear your car starting up in the middle of the night, I’ll be mad at you. Got it?” JJ laughed softly, nodding. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you, Mrs. Walker. Really. For...for everything.” He frowned, just realizing that saying goodbye to Charlie would mean saying goodbye to her family too. 

“Oh, honey.” Her mom pulled him into a short hug, then patted his back. “It’ll be okay. Goodnight, JJ.” She ruffled his hair before letting go and going back inside, leaving the porch light on for him. 

__________

JJ left early in the morning, leaving the blankets neatly folded in the hammock. The drive gave him just enough time to dream up a plan on how to win Charlie back (from what, exactly, he still wasn’t sure). He texted her the second he arrived back in Columbia, like nothing had ever happened. 

JJ: Made it back safe

Charlie didn’t respond until the end of the day, just liking the message. A response. That was good enough for him. Over the next three days, he continued texting her updates of what he was doing, asking questions to try and get her to reply. She kept it short and to the point, trying to make it clear she was making space between them. After the fifth text of the day - at 11am - Charlie called him. 

“JJ, please.” She started the call once he picked up, sounding slightly exasperated. (Nothing he hadn’t dealt with before, he thought. He could work with that.) 

“Please what? Just needed to know if you liked the blue shirt or the black shirt better for my interview.” He kept his tone bright and cheery, although just hearing her voice made his heart start hammering against his chest. 

“Isn’t it a phone call?” 

“Well - yeah, but you know. In case they switch it to a video call last minute, you know.” 

She laughed quietly. “Alright. Blue. It makes your eyes brighter.” 

He smiled upon the sound of her laugh. “Okay. How’s your day been? You come back to Columbia tomorrow, right?” He persisted, trying to draw out the call.

“JJ…” she sighed, softly. “We need space if this is going to work.” 

“Well it’s not going to work.” He replied firmly. “You and I both know we’re better together than we are apart.” 

Charlie just sighed again. “I don’t want to distract you before your interview. Good luck, JJ.” 

He didn’t miss the purposeful lack of a nickname on her part. “Okay, I’ll let you know how it goes. Talk to you later.”  

“I’m sure you will.” She hung up before he could drag out the conversation any longer. 

______

JJ continued his constant check ins, wording his texts just so to get a reply from her. She could ignore him, of course, but her willpower wasn’t strong enough for that. She was stuck between frustrated that he wouldn’t just let her go and also appreciating how hard he was fighting to keep them together. By the end of the week, she cracked. JJ was staying at a friend’s house for the summer until he figured things out with a potential job opportunity, not wanting to go back to the OBX just yet, and it was her last week in Columbia before her lease ended. She knew she had to at least give him another chance while they were close enough to talk it over in person.  

She texted him, trying to keep it short and sweet. 

Charlie: Can you come over 

JJ responded in a split second with ‘be right there’, like he was just waiting by his phone for a text exactly like that. He was in the middle of replying to a email about another possible interview, but fuck it, there were more important things to do. He scrambled out of his bed when he got the text, shoved his feet into sneakers, grabbed his keys, and drove like a bat out of hell. 

He felt like he was going to throw up as he pulled into her driveway, the anxiety washing over him again. It was easy to have a bold confidence about their relationship when he was texting her, but seeing her in person was a whole different story. Charlie opened the door just as he stepped onto the porch and they just stood there for a moment, taking in each other’s appearance. JJ felt another wave of hurt wash over him as he was reminded of the first pain he felt when he heard her words only a week ago. 

Charlie broke the silence first, almost shy. “Will you come in?” 

He nodded quickly and jammed his hands in his pockets before following her into the house, willing himself to not just give in right away and throw his arms around her. He wanted nothing more than to make it work, but he was still upset, and she had hurt him with little more than a meager explanation. She sat on the couch, drawing her knees to her chest, and he followed, distancing himself with a seat on the opposite end. 

“Can I -” 

“I want to -” 

They spoke at the same time, then gave each other short smiles, tension broken a little bit. “You first.” JJ offered. 

“Okay. Right. I’m sorry.” She nodded, letting her eyes fall to the couch cushions as she spoke, almost all in one quick breath. “I was...no, I am scared. I’m going to be thousands of miles away and that’s not fair to you. And you’re going to find someone better than me, and I don’t want to hold you back.” She finally lifted her gaze. 

“What?” JJ replied dumbly, unsure if he heard her correctly. “You...you think I’ll find someone better?” 

“Well, yeah.” She shrugged, as if she had come to terms with a fact. “Someone that’s not so far away.” 

“Oh, Charlie.” He murmured, reaching out for her hand. “I don’t think I could find someone better if I tried. Is that really how you feel?” 

She softened, stretching out her arm just enough to lock her pinky with his. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to let you go, I just...I can’t hold you back.” 

JJ straightened slightly, cocking his head. “So you’re not breaking up with me?” 

“No, I -” She barely got the words out before he practically launched himself at her, tackling her into a tight hug. It took her a moment before she laughed and curled her arms around his waist, allowing a couple repressed tears to fall. “I’m sorry, I’m a fucking asshole, aren’t I?” 

“God, you scared the shit out of me.” JJ mumbled against her collarbone, not wanting to let her go for a second. “I’ve been crying myself to sleep the whole fucking week, Charlie.” He lifted his head just enough to catch her lips in a soft kiss and she responded quickly, taking a moment to kiss away a few tears of relief that rolled down his cheeks. 

“I know, I’m sorry. I fucked up, I really did.” She lifted a hand to comb her fingers through his hair, keeping him close. 

“You can’t do that again. You have to talk to me, sweetheart.” JJ implored, resting his head against her chest. 

“I know.” She repeated. “I love you. So, so much.” 

“I love you too. I told you I’m here for you, Charlie, I meant it. No matter how far apart we are.” 

[rokutouxei]

the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

ikemen vampire: temptation through the dark theo van gogh / mc | T | [ ao3 link in bio ]

The challenge seemed pretty simple: to try to befriend the university bookshop’s most sour employee, Theo van Gogh. As a literature major with a boatload of book recommendations on her back, it ought to be a simple task indeed. But as she uncovers what lies between Theo’s pages, the more she finds it harder to become closer to him without having to put the feeling directly into words. What can she learn from Theo about what it means to stay—and how can she teach Theo about what it means to let go? | written for ikevamp big bang 2020!

[ masterpost for all chapters ]

CHAPTER 9 OF 22

You will let my tender hook Catch the folded darkness inside you, let me occupy The dented place at the base of your throat. - "One Life", Carlomar Arcangel Daoana

--

She wakes up late.

Comically late.

No hangover, thank god—but it’s 11am and she’s dressed in lent pajamas in a bed that isn’t her own. She shoots up to sitting position in a second, and standing in a minute, trudging out the room to the bathroom at the end of the hall.

By the time she’s up and out of the room, a little more awake, Dazai and Arthur have already long gone, the only remnants of their presence the bit of glitter that they had wiped onto the sofa they nestled in.

And text messages.

She squints when she reads it, not because she had a hard time reading what it said, but—because she couldn’t believe what it said.

A series of text messages from Dazai:

[ 7:23 | Dazai ] ur still asleep but ur friend kinda hot

[ 7:24 | Dazai ] ofc I woke up first but his eyelashes tho???

[ 8:32 | Dazai ] pls tell me he’s not a douche bc im rly gonna jump him

[ 9:03 | Dazai ] mgonna jump him

[ 10:19 | Dazai ] abt to find out if he’s got the magnum sized dong u promised

Oh, god, what has she done.

With a groan, she heads down the hallway, phone securely in the pocket of the sweatpants, to see Vincent and Theo preparing a meal in the kitchen; Theo preparing some sort of fillet (fish? Chicken?) and Vincent frying some onions and garlic on the stove, filling the kitchen with a nice aroma.

“Good morning,” she says softly, as she shuffles onto one of the dining table chairs.

“Thought you died,” Theo says with a snort; but once he turns around to face her, all derision goes away in his face and is replaced by a quiet surprise.

Vincent beams as he turns to get the fillets from Theo. (It’s chicken.) “Good morning. Did you sleep well? No headache?”

She shakes her head. “Nope, I’m good. Thanks for letting me sleep here last night and for the clothes.”

“Of course, no problem at all,” Vincent answers, turning back to the pan. The chicken makes a sizzle as it meets the oil.

Theo is still staring at her with an odd look on his face.

“Earth to Theo?” she calls out, waving her hand in front of her. “Something wrong?”

“Broer. Why did you lend her my clothes.”

Oh.

“You know how most my shirts are, paint-stained in all the weird places.”

She feels the cling of the cotton around her skin so differently, so suddenly. Oh.

“She wouldn’t have minded, she was drunk.”

That’s correct, but—

Vincent smiles at Theo, the kind of smile one makes when they can see through someone; she’s filled with a kind of relief at knowing that Vincent can do that to Theo. Maybe the man isn’t an impenetrable a character after all. “No need to be shy, Theo.”

“I am not,” he insists, finally tearing his gaze away from her and heading to the sink to wash the used chopping board and the knife. “I just don’t want her wearing my stuff.”

She smirks. He is shy. True, she didn’t get the opportunity to think about what she was putting on last night because she was so tired and knocked out by the alcohol, but…if that was the price she had to pay to see this side of Theo she doesn’t have the opportunity to witness often, then it was worth it. Oh, the ever put-together Theo, brought to his knees by only one person in the world, the one he trusts the most: his brother.  “Is it because your personality is contagious?” she teases, “wouldn’t want to catch that.”

He answers her with a glare. “Reverse. It’s your stupidity that’s contagious.”

“Oh, we’re pretty much equally as stupid, Theo. No need to worry.”

“We are not,” he says, and then Vincent elbows him carefully.

“You really should be a little gentler to your friends,” Vincent comments, as he turns the fillet onto its other side.

Theo grumbles something unintelligible and it makes her laugh. Sitting in the kitchen, watching the two brothers side by side with their back to her as they prepare—she checks the clock—lunch for the three of them, she hums, content. She’s lived alone for all her life here in the campus, and it was one she looked forward to after living in a house crammed with people for most of her life. But sitting here, watching them share the chores and maybe have a little banter with each other—makes her reconsider that maybe, maybe settling down in even the worst of places isn’t that horrible when you’re in good company.

Theo opens the plate cupboard and hands her a set of it with some cutlery. “Set the table at least, freeloader?” He says, though his voice lacks all the venom his words otherwise had.

Okay, she’ll have to reconsider if Theo counts as “good company.”

--

Theo barely survives lunch with her and his brother because of how much he gets teased by the two. He might argue that this is worse than being stuck with her and Arthur because since it is Vincent, he does not get the leeway to have a comeback, only able to grumble in displeasure at being see-through. They stuff their bellies not only with Vincent’s famed chicken with herbs but also with a hefty amount of laughter.

She slides back (slightly disgusted) into her costume to walk back home in, confident that many other students will be trudging along the streets suffering the same fate. (“Not everyone wakes up as late as you.” “There’s bound to be at least one, right?”) When she comes out of the bathroom, there’s a book on top of his neatly-folded clothes.

They speak at the same time.

“I could wash these first before giving it back if you—” “You had that with you all this time?”

Silence.

She breaks it with a laugh. “Yeah, it was a Saturday. I didn’t want to break the schedule.”

“You get so thorough about the weirdest things,” he comments, but he takes the bundle in her arms anyway. “It’s alright, I’ll have them. Let me get you a book, too.”

She follows Theo into the studio, where he crouches in front of some bookshelves. Vincent peeps from behind his easel. “You should walk her home,” he offers, as Theo pulls a few books out of the shelf.

“No, it’s alright, I’ll be fine! I’m not drunk or dizzy. The walk will help clear my head.”

“It’s twenty minutes out,” Theo points out, getting up.

“Just promise that if you find me asleep on the street you’ll pick me up?”

Handing Murakami’s Dance, Dance, Dance to her, Theo grins. “I can’t promise that.”

“Oh, Theo, you know you will.”

Even when she is long out of his sight, the smile on his face does not go away. Even as the day shifts into mundanity. Even as he’s carting a bagful of clothes to the launderette. Even as he picks up some groceries on the way home. Even as he prepares dinner for Vincent, who is a few hours deep into painting.

Maybe for a moment, it goes away, but—

He thinks of her and the smile comes back full force.

--

She spends the rest of Sunday recovering and hiding away in her room after the very socially draining party, but by Monday she’s hopped onto her bike and headed for the literature club’s little gazebo. She’s left a message for Dazai, asking for company. Sure, they spent quite a lot of time together in the past week, after having jumped through thrift stores and boutiques for the perfect Night Circus costume (and yes, she made him read the book beforehand too, for good measure) but Saturday was quite a day. She’s brought a couple of cookies for sharing with him, sitting at their usual spot, looking out at the quadrangle next to it.

“Toshiko-san! Sorry we kept you waiting!”

The plural takes her off guard, and she turns to find that Dazai has brought a rather distracted-looking Isaac along, his hands in the pockets of his slacks. Isaac is always dressed so well—she supposes it’s part of the uniform or something of being seen as a respectable professor—but she sure does want to see him dress down once. T-shirt, shorts, that kind—Isaac seems to take everything too seriously.

The pleasant feeling of seeing a friend she hasn’t met up with in a long time is quickly replaced by confusion, as the science complex is nowhere near the Arts building. “Nice to see you here, Isaac,” she says, but also with the lilt of a question.

Dazai answers said question. “He’s here because he has nothing better to do, so I asked him to come.”

Isaac makes a face that’s both resignation and panic. “He passed by my office.” –and dragged me out because he wouldn’t take no for an answer, she finishes in her head.

“I see,” she answers, even though that’s not really an explanation in itself.

She knows Isaac through Dazai, and Dazai knows Isaac through a very peculiar class: Occultism 101.

A class team-taught by three major colleges in the university—the College of Arts, the College of Science, and the College of Social Sciences—Occultism 101 is one of the more controversial classes on campus because of its nature. It goes through a long history of the evolution and persistence of supernatural beliefs and practices among nations in the world, in that nice gray area between religion and science. There are only two kinds of students in Occultism 101: those who believe and who are genuinely interested, and those who do not believe and would like to spend an entire semester saying “bah! That’s not true!” to themselves all the time.

Occultism 101 is typically taught by professors from the College of Social Sciences and College of Arts with backgrounds in religious practices and other mystical behavior (whether in history or art), and then occasionally, in the middle of the semester, guest lecturers from the College of Science come in to give lectures on how these “supernatural events” may be explainable through scientific means. Say, how the piping system in a building can cause haunted “cold spots”, or how floating dust particles can come up in a photograph as “orbs”, or the likes.

And she doesn’t want to be very stereotypical about it, but a lot of people in the College of Science are pretty… well, square, and so no one really wants to teach Occultism 101, even if it’s only a few meetings in a semester. This is how this job ends up to unwilling, no-choice Ph.D. students such as Isaac.

It was just his luck that Dazai was in the section he taught.

“So, Osamu, care to tell us about your little date last Sunday?” she asks, as the other two have taken their seats across her. Dazai swoons a little at the mention of Sunday. Isaac looks at him with unsureness.

(Isaac has had the miserable experience of being the victim of Dazai’s flirtation at some point in time. One can see how that has instead simmer into a rather tentative friendship. All is well.)

Dazai rests his elbows on the table and places his chin on the palms of his hands. “He’s so dreamy.”

“No he isn’t,” she swiftly replies, without thought.

But Dazai pretends not to have heard it. “He’s not looking for a serious relationship though,” he adds. “Not that I am, either.”

“You aren’t?”

“No, sweetie,” Dazai explains. “But he’s my type and I’m his type and we couldn’t just leave it at that so I have his number now, and a little… arrangement.”

The word hangs in between them, swaying.

Oh no, that’s not any good. “What arrangement.”

“You don’t need to sound so concerned.”

“This is Arthur we’re talking about,” she insists, and the name makes Isaac flinch a little.

“Doyle, the med student?” Isaac asks, and she turns to him, blinking.

“You know him?” Remembering Arthur during the party, her mouth falls into a small o. “He knows you too, doesn’t he?”

Isaac scoffs. “Who in this university doesn’t?” Arthur’s pretty well-known to be a flirt. Something like having a checklist of bedding at least one person in every department—a rumor that would have been a little more shameful if the rumors also didn’t say how he was so good at it.

She nods. “Well, fair enough.”

“No, no, he’s an absolute sweetheart to me, so it’s definitely a you problem,” Dazai insists. “It’s just a friendship with benefits, yanno?” He emphasizes every of the following syllables with his tone and his hands: “Nice, big, hefty benefits.”

And even Isaac, who usually refrains from commenting no matter how much he has to say, has to quip with “Terrible choice, really.”

And she has to agree. “I respect you, but not your taste, Osamu.”

Dazai grins. “Understandable.” He picks up one of the sandwiches she’s prepared. “You make it sound like I’m the only one making bad decisions though.”

“Excuse me?”

He turns to Isaac. “You should have gone to the Halloween party. She brought her little boy toy.”

She scoffs. “He is not my boy toy.”

“You sure do have him around your finger though, getting in matching costumes and all that,” Dazai says. “Spends Saturdates with him all the time.”

The only strategy that will work in times like these is straight-up ignoring him. “Anyway—” she begins, about to steer the conversation away when Isaac speaks up.

“It’s nice to hear you’re getting close to other people,” he says softly. Isaac has a way of speaking that makes it always seem like he’s spent so much time thinking about what he said before he actually said it; so sometimes it’s hard to gauge if he’s saying it casually or entirely seriously.

So she blinks. “You make it seem like I have no friends, Isaac.”

“I-It’s not that!” he suddenly blurts. Ah, there. There’s the usual Isaac. “You’ve spent so much time focusing on your work lately, it’s nice to know you’re relaxing with other people sometimes.”

And he doesn’t say it, but she sure does hear it: the you haven’t been to the astronomy club in a while and it’s made me worried about you.

She doesn’t go religiously, but she used to attend fairly often to hang out with the other members and just look up at the stars. Isaac tries to organize at least two sessions in a month, one to look at the moon, and another to point at the stars. She hasn’t been able to catch them in a bit.

But then, slowly, as the image of the view outside the astronomy club’s hangout is refreshed in her mind, the way the physics building rooftop is just high enough to provide a good view of the rest of the campus below, the city downtown, just at the right place on campus that at night, the rest of the sprawling town’s streetlights trickle out like golden LED veins through the threes—an idea begins to implant itself into her head.

Taking root immediately.

She likes to go up here to think. She really shouldn’t have had permission to go up there on her own, in her free time, since they have rules about club hours and the likes, but Isaac is a close friend and gave her a spare key, so she can come and go as she pleases. And sure, the Grove is a nice, quiet place for book clubs and maybe doing homework if one doesn’t need an electric socket, but up here in the astronomy club’s “the Rooftop”, she feels like she can float away into the vast ocean of her thoughts and get lost in them for a moment.

She feels small up there. And that’s a good feeling.

She won’t tell it to Isaac’s face but it’s one of the primary reasons why she applied for the astronomy club in the first place. The stars are great no matter how dumb she is at physics, but the view—it’s really something else.

What does the world look like from the point of view of a star? How tiny are human lives in the vast expanse of the universe? How long have these stars been out there, how long will they stay out there, how much longer will they stay in this universe more than we will?

…This is why Theo teases her for being a literature major: all these goddamn metaphors.

And for a split second, she thinks…

Maybe it isn’t that bad to share that same quiet space with him?

…You know, to talk books.

“About that…”

Isaac and Dazai turn to her.

“Mind if I sneak in an outsider to the Roof?” she asks, facing Isaac with genuine hope in her voice.

Isaac only shrugs. “Do as you please,” he says casually, taking a cookie from her little box on the table.

And she grins like he’d just given her the light of the world. “Thank you, Isaac.”

Dazai shakes his head, because he knows she’s got no denying herself out of this one the next time.

[stateofloveandnegan]

Broken Ankle II - Richard Madden

If any of you would like a third part, let me know in the comments!

Requested by: no one

Part one / Part two / Part three

The next morning, I wake up with quite a lot of pain in my leg. I struggle and wince as I try to get out of bed. After a minute or two, I make it out and grab the crutches before making my way towards the bathroom to get some painkillers.

After taking them, I freshen myself up and grab my phone. I’ve got some messages, one of them putting a smile on my face.

-

Richard:

Good morning, (Y/N).

I hope you got some rest after yesterday.

Sent 9:11am

-

I take a seat on the edge of my bed and type out my response.

-

You:

Morning, Richard.

I did, I slept like a baby :)

How did you sleep?

Sent 9:36am

-

After sending the message, I go to my contacts and call my dad. With my leg like this, I can’t really dress myself. I mean, I can dress my upper body, but putting on a pair of sweats is harder than it seems with a casted leg.

My dad answers the phone almost immediately and tells me he’s already on his way to my room. I smile and end the call before putting my phone down, taking a not so charming, but comfy pair of sweats than I can fit over my leg.

A minute later my dad knocks on my door and I make my way towards it, taking a little longer than expected. “Sorry, I’m not quite used to these crutches yet.”

My dad simply chuckles, “It’s alright, darling. Take all the time you need, no need to rush.” Once I open the door, he smiles and comes in, closing the door behind him. “How did you sleep? Did it hurt?”

“I slept well. It didn’t hurt before, but now it does quite a bit. I’ve already taken some painkillers and got out some sweats I think will fit. Could you help with them?” I ask with a sheepish smile on my face. My dad smiles and nods. I go and sit on the bed so my dad can help me better, and much to our surprise, we manage to get the sweats on quite fast.

Together, we make our way downstairs, where we’ll have breakfast. “Did you already think about what we’ll do now?” I ask once we’re seated. My dad sighs a little, “Yeah. I’m afraid you can’t go with me on the bike, so we’ll have to book you a flight to get home.”

I sigh and look down, “I know. I don’t want to leave yet, though.” At that moment, my phone buzzes and I receive a text from Richard. A smile enters my face without my knowledge and when I look up at my dad, he has a funny grin on his face. “Did you and Richard have fun last night on the balcony?”

I blush and look down, “He’s just really nice, dad. He gave me his number before he and his mum left last night. He said that if we are to stay a little longer, he’d like to show me around a bit. He knows a lot of nice places in the area.”

“I’ve got an idea.” My dad says after a couple of minutes. I look up, taking a bite from my croissant, and nod so he’ll continue. “How about I go home by myself tomorrow. You can stay here for as long as you want, when you want to go home, you can ring me and I can book you a flight home.”

My eyes widen in surprise, I never expected my dad to be okay with something like that, I wouldn’t even have dared to propose that myself. Even though I’m twenty-three, my dad is still pretty protective. And honestly, I’m glad he is, it just means he cares a lot and doesn’t want me to get hurt.

“Are you serious?” I start, a smile spreading across my face, “That sounds like an amazing idea!”

My dad chuckles and reaches over the table to give my hand a soft squeeze. “I noticed how happy you were last night and figured it was because of Richard. I want you to enjoy this trip even with your leg like this.”

I smile at my dad, happier than ever to have him with me right now. “You are the best, dad.”

My dad just smiles and we both continue eating our breakfast. After breakfast we go back to our rooms for a bit. I grab my phone to see what Richard sent me earlier, excited to tell him the news.

-

Richard:

I slept very well, thanks for asking :)

Do you have any plans today?

Sent 10:01am

-

You:

I’m going to help my dad a little with packing some bags.

Sent 10:26am

-

Almost immediately, Richard answers.

-

Richard:

That means you’re leaving, then?

Sent 10:27am

-

You:

My dad, yes. He’s going back home tomorrow.

I’m not going home yet :)

Sent 10:27am

-

Richard:

What do you mean you’re not going home yet?

Isn’t your dad going home, because you broke your ankle?

Sent 10:28am

-

Instead of typing out my response, I click on his contact and call his number. I’m quite nervous about it, but I can’t really think about that, because before I know it, Richard has picked up. “(Y/N)?”

“Hey, yeah. I figured it’d be easier to tell you on the phone. My dad is going home, because I broke my ankle, yes. I can’t go home with him on the bike, so he said he’ll book me a flight. But he also said that if I wanted to stay a little longer, to… well,” I say, the nerves coming up as I say the next words, a blush creeping up on my face. “To spend some time with you, I could. I can give him a call if I want to go home and then he’ll book me a flight as soon as possible.”

“Really? That’s great!” Richard says, seemingly very happy about it. I chuckle softly, smiling brightly. “Yeah, I never expected that from him, but I’m really thankful for it.”

“I take it you’ll be spending your day with your dad?” He asks softly. “Yeah, he’ll leave tomorrow morning. So today will be packing backs and maybe going into town for a bit.”

Richard smiles, an idea popping up into his mind. “If you’d like, I can take you out for breakfast, tomorrow morning?”

I smile at the idea of having breakfast with him. My dad’s going to leave very early in the morning anyways, so I can easily get some breakfast with Richard. “I’d really like that, Richard.”

“I can pick you up at 9:15?” he proposes, and I tell him that that sounds perfect. “Have fun today and be careful with your ankle.”

“I will, Richard, don’t worry.” I say with a smile on my face, flattered that he cares. “I’ll talk to you later.”

Richard and I each say goodbye and we hang up. As soon as I do so, I get up from my seat and make my way over to my dad’s room so I can help him pack his bags. Later that day, my dad and I go into town to grab dinner at a nice Italian restaurant. The time flies and before we know it, we’re already back in bed.

I’m not super tired yet, so I grab my phone and send Richard a text.

-

You:

Hey,

How was your day?

Sent 11:26pm

-

I grab the remote of the tv and turn it on, surfing through some channels before ending up with Intouchables.

-

Richard:

Hey there,

My day’s been pretty active.

My mum and I have been working on the garden.

Was your day nice?

Sent 11:28pm

-

You:

That sounds quite fun.

is it beginning to look good?

My day’s been really nice,

My dad and I went into town, did some shopping,

After that we had dinner at this really nice Italian place.

Sent 11:29pm

-

Richard:

Yeah, it’s beginning to look really cosy and all beautiful!

That sound really nice.

What time will he leave tomorrow?

Sent 11:29pm

-

You:

That’s good :)

He’ll leave around 8.

Sent 11:29pm

-

Richard:

That’s pretty early.

Wish him a good trip from me?

Sent 11:30pm

-

You:

I will.

I’m going to watch a film now,

if that’s okay.

Sent 11:30pm

-

Richard:

Of course that’s okay!

I’ll see you tomorrow,

Good night, (Y/N).

Sent 11:31pm

-

I smile at my phone at quickly reply with a ‘Good night, Richard.’ before putting my phone away and shifting my attention to the tv.

The next morning, I help my dad get ready and when he’s gone, I go back upstairs, clumsily take a shower and get ready for breakfast with Richard. Yesterday I bought a nice pair of pants, wide enough to go over the cast on my leg, and very nice.

I mean, I want to look at least a little presentable when I’m with Richard… I do want to make an impression on him.

Suddenly a tiny blush creeps onto my face and I start getting a little nervous. It’s already 9 o’clock and Richard will be here very soon. I look in the mirror and I’m happy with what I see, even though one of my feet look stupid.

I texted Richard earlier that I’d be waiting outside the B&B on a bench, so that’s where I’m sitting right now, the crutches resting against the bench beside me. Not much later, a familiar figure walks up to me, he’s wearing nice black pants with a pair of very neat black shoes underneath them. On top of that, he’s wearing a good fitted black t-shirt with a brown corduroy jacket.

I grab the crutches and get up from the bench, smiling at him. “Good morning.”

“Hey there, good morning.” He smiles and to my surprise, he plants a gentle kiss on my cheek. “Shall we?”

“Yeah, let’s go. I’m quite hungry.” I smile, my cheeks covered in a light tint of red as we start walking. “Did you come here walking?”

Richard looks at me sideways, “Yeah, it’s not too far. Was about a fifteen-minute walk.”

“That’s where your mum lives, right?” I ask, looking at him for a moment before looking back out front to see where I’m going.

He smiles, “Yeah, it’s where I grew up as well.” He looks around him as we walk and that gives me the opportunity to study him for a moment, careful not to stumble as I do so. Richard isn’t super tall; his height is perfect.

He has a light stubble on his chin, and it suits him amazingly. The small curls on his head are endearing and sexy at the same time, but the thing that’s definitely sexy about his hair, is that grey streak.

We soon reach a nice place and Richard leads me inside, finding a nice table out on the terrace. “You comfortable?” he asks once I’m seated. I smile and nod, “Yeah, I am.” Richard grabs my crutches and gently lays them down beside us on the ground.

A young, nice-looking boy comes to our table, kindly offering us the menus. “Good morning, Richard. Can I get you the usual drink?” he asks, smiling happily at Richard. Richard chuckles softly, “No, thank you, Danny. I’ve got to give it some thought today, that good?”

The boy, Danny, smiles and nods, leaving us be. I look at Richard, raising one eyebrow in curiosity. He chuckles, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks. “I always come here to get a nice cup of coffee in the morning. Danny always works on the weekends.”

“He seems really sweet.” I smile at him, looking over at Danny for a moment as he walks about on the terrace. “He is, yeah. When I’m not here, he always makes sure to bring my mother something for lunch. He truly is an amazing young boy.”

I look at Richard, smiling as he looks at Danny, then back at me. “They’ve got some killer pancakes here.” He suddenly speaks, a grin on his face. “Oh yeah? I guess I’m gonna have to try those, then.”

Richard laughs softly and nods, “You definitely should, they’re amazing.”

Not much later, Richard and I are both digging into our pancakes, and as he said: they’re amazing. If it’s silent, because we’re eating or just because we’re quiet, it’s always a comfortable silence. I’ve never had something like this with someone I just met, but it just feels so at ease, so comforting.

I catch Richard looking at me every now and every time it happens, my heart flutters a little and my smile grows fonder. “You look really nice, (Y/N). I don’t think I’ve told you that before, have I?”

A tiny blush creeps up on my face and I shake my head, “No, you haven’t. Thank you, though. I tried my best to look at least decent enough.” I chuckle softly and Richard smiles, “You look much better than just decent.”

I smile at how sweet he is, “You look very nice yourself, Richard. Thank you for taking me out here.”

After we finish the pancakes, we both order a cup of coffee, enjoying each other’s presence. “Do you still live with your parents?” Richard asks and I shake my head, “I moved out very recently. I’ve got my own little apartment now, it’s still kind of a work in progress, but it’s beginning to feel more like home every time I’m there.”

“I know what you mean.” He smiles, “It’s nice to have your own place, though, isn’t it?” I nod at his question, “As much as I love to be around my parents, I definitely needed my own place.”

We both laugh and enjoy our cup of coffee. Once we’re both finished, Richard offers to pay, being the gentleman he is, and soon we’re on our feet again. We’re walking towards the city centre, because Richard wanted to show me where he had his first job when he was younger.

As we’re walking, Richard eventually breaks the comfortable silence with his slightly rough, yet gentle voice. “(Y/N), I just want to be sure…” he starts, and I raise my brows in curiosity at his tone, “but you’re not currently seeing anyone, are you?”

I blush and shake my head, “I’m not, don’t worry.” Richard lets out a happy sigh and smiles, causing me to gently bite down on the inside of my cheek.

They day goes by much too fast. Richard and I went out for lunch as well and an hour before dinner time, his mum called him, saying she had made dinner for us. Dinner with the two of them was amazing and delicious, but unfortunately now it’s time to go back.

“I’ll be out for a bit again, mum.” Richard calls to his mother and she smiles, I thank her for the amazing food and bid her a good night before walking out of the house with Richard behind me.

It’s a little colder than before, and since I forgot to take a jacket with me, Richard gently puts his around my shoulders. I put my arms through the sleeves and chuckle, “It’s much too big.”

“It’s cute.” Richard smiles and winks at me. I blush at his comment and we start making our way back to the b&b.

A couple of minutes later, we cross a nice ice cream parlor and I walk towards it. “C’mon, what would you like?” I ask Richard with a smile. “Strawberry, please.”

I order one Strawberry cone for Richard and a Stracciatella one for myself, paying for them as Richard takes them. We go to a little bench nearby and sit down, since I can’t walk with those crutches and eat the ice cream at the same time.

“Cheers.” Richard and I both say at the same time and we laugh softly before beginning to eat our ice cream. It’s very lovely and I snuggle into Richard’s jacket as the wind gets a little harsher.

“This is probably gonna sound like a ridiculous idea, so please tell me what you really think about it.” Richard speaks once we both finish our cone and I turn to look at him. “I was thinking, because there isn’t much more to do around here than what we did today… Would you like to come to London with me?”

My eyes widen a little at his question, but I almost immediately nod my head, “I’d love that!”

There’s a twinkle in Richard’s eyes and he smiles happily, “I can come tomorrow and help you pack your bags? If you want, we can leave in the afternoon. I’ve got my car here, so we don’t have to worry about public transport.”

“That sounds really good.” I smile as Richard helps me stand up again before we continue our walk to the b&b.

Once we get there, Richard helps me up to my room and smiles as he takes a look around. “I’ve crossed this building so many times, yet this is the first time I’ve ever came inside.” He chuckles softly and I smile. “Thank you for walking me back. And for everything we did today, I had a really good time. I’m really looking forward to going to London with you.”

He smiles and steps a little closer to me, “Me too, I hope I can make up for the shitty outcome of the trip with your dad.”

“You’re already doing an amazing job at that.” I blush lightly and look up at him, my breath catching slightly in my throat once I realise how close he is. “You’re absolutely beautiful, (Y/N). And definitely one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met.”

Richard’s voice is low and soft as he slowly brings his hand up to gently caress my face. I swallow softly, staring into his ocean blue eyes. “Does my age bother you in any way?” he asks a little unsurely, looking into my eyes for an answer. I shake my head, “It doesn’t, Rich.”

The insecurity leaves Richard’s eyes and he smiles, moving his face closer to mine. “May I?”

I don’t answer him with words, instead I move up a little and press our lips together, and I can feel him smiling against my lips before he starts kissing me back.

It’s a very innocent, yet passionate kiss. I’ve always wondered how it would feel to kiss someone and really mean it at the same time, and now I realise it’s better than anything I’ve ever imagined.

We break apart after a couple of minutes, cheeks flushed and both out of breath. Our foreheads are pressed together. “Good night, (Y/N). I’ll be here at around 11 tomorrow, that good?”

I smile and peck his lips once more, “Sounds good. Good night, Rich.”

[andyourhostkristenwiig]

I thought about this for quite a while..about what happened at work yesterday. I have to write it down and I can’t fit it in a message to my friends...but I can’t let it go yet. I’m making it read more though.

We’re 6 people in our department including our boss.

Three of us were around the same age (26-30) so we got along very well. Especially with Corona hitting us, two of us living alone, we weren’t allowed to go anywhere besides work so we bonded. We were friends, at least I thought so.

We’d spend lunch breaks together, since we shared one office anway, we had a movie/game night one time in June. We laughed a lot and work was really fun. Let’s call them A and B (which fits, since I’m C)

Now we all have our little knicks and knacks and I fully understand that.

A was afraid of pretty much anything. B and I  would do just about anything for her...go pick up lunch, let her pay later because she was too afraid to use an ATM, we picked up stuff from the grocery store when she forgot something on her ONE shopping trip she could do per week so she didn’t have to be around more people, I walked her outside and across the town square every lunch break because she was afraid of being watched, I went grocery shopping with her after the store re-arranged everything and she was afraid of not finding things and being in there for too long, we would sometimes just bring stuff from our break for all of us just because we were friends. She freezes extremely quickly and has a fan heater in our office...but with my dust allergy that’s nearly impossible for me, the three of us sat together and talked about alternatives. She doesn’t like wearing thick clothes, she doesn’t like scarves, she doesn’t like sweaters or winter boots. We eventually settled on heated pads for her shoes, the door can be closed, the heater can be on but the fan heater has to stay shut off and I get to air out the office every now and then.

Sounds nice, right?

Yes, until you asked her a favour. She would always turn her anxieties to please her, so she didn’t have to do any favours for us. She wouldn’t even take my sick note that was in an envelope from me so I wouldn’t have to send it all the way through the entire town hall which takes a couple of days. Whatever you would ask her, she couldn’t do it for whatever strange reason. But if you’d ask her one favour multiple times, she would always decline it with a different explanation.

The “worst incident” is so dumb but actually apparently big now.

There’s a calendar in our office that I need to set payment deadlines. I can clearly see it but I can’t reach it. Usually our cleaning lady pushes the date farther but that week she was sick. I asked A to please push it to the new date. She proceeded to tell me she couldn’t reach it. And I told her, no she could, we’re the exact same height, she just has to take a tiny step closer. She then ended up acting super dumb and ripped the calendar off. Yeah I was a little annoyed. Told her that now she has to step even closer to put it back on. She suddenly asked me if she couldn’t hang it behind me instead to which I answered that it would be dumb to put it behind me when I need it like 20 times a day and can’t see it there. Anyway that dumb argument went on for 10 minutes and ended in me ripping the calendar from her hands, putting it back on from the exact position she was standing in before and telling her to stop acting stupid. Which I still stand for. That was when the town hall was closed for everyone except employees so to calm down, I put my headphones on and continued my work. Like 10 minutes later I just came back from asking something in the office next door but they needed more info so they came with me, I saw that she was crying. I’m bad with crying people and went to B’s office and asked her to come over to check on her. Which she did. But A didn’t really want to tell us what was going on and eventually told us it wasn’t about the calendar thing but something personal and she’d rather go home. Which she did...that entire thing happened at like 8.45am and she left at 11am. (this is important for the story just go with it)

Anyway, we forgot (or so I thought) about it, continued joking with each other, hung out, we still had lunch together every day and would play uno when everyone else was gone at work. We would talk about work like friends, not like colleagues...we would mock here and there and voice what we hated.

Things at work were sort of tense lately due to several reasons...mostly misinterpretation and misinformation and for whatever reason they projected all that onto B. It was quite weird at work lately. I was always a bit confused why they wouldn’t address their problems with B herself.

We still had the fan heater issue though because she didn’t want any of our agreements anymore, saying it looks stupid and she doesn’t want it. When I came in at work and told her my eyes hurt from the dust, all she said was “oh sorry but I’m cold” and turned it back on. We sometimes butted heads here.

Last friday B had her final day, she got a new job closer to home and she totally deserved it. We were sad and would always go “oh no this is our last time eating chinese together” and all. I prepared an awesome home-made farewell card, bought some nice stuff for her and all. A and I would split our office then and she’d move into the now empty one and it was gonna be nice after all.

But the second B left the parking lot my colleague went “everything’s gonna be better now” and I thought that was so weird. On the weekend she left all our group chats and told us she would explain it to us later. I wasn’t at work on monday because I had handimen at my apartment.

When I came in on Tuesday, not only had A moved out of my office but also taken furniture from my office that I specifically moved into my office this past winter because I needed the space. She had also used my office as sort of a litter bin and put even B’s forgotten drink. It was so weird.

Anyway at 8.30am I get an email inviting us all to a meeting at 9am. I knew something was up when no one reminded me when they already left for the meeting.

So I came in there to be completely shredded apart. It was 4 against 1.

And who started? A started. She started again with the entire lunch thing where I didn’t want to have lunch with all 6 colleagues in my office (hello, corona you dumb fucks). Despite me having explained it a million times before.

Then, here’s the calendar story as she told it with tears in her eyes to our boss:

She was crying so loud that I should have heard her. I had left and entered the office several times and didn’t pay attention to her crying. Then I proceeded to go next door to get my colleague to show him that she was crying and my alibi was showing him a single sheet of paper that didn’t say anything. After THREE hours, we asked her what was wrong with her. And meanwhile we texted with each other and would laugh about her.

She told me she liked joking with us but sometimes they were too much. I asked her why she didn’t say anything and continued laughin with us while the two of us would always say when it went too far. She doesn’t like conflicts, she wasn’t peace. FUCK YOU, YOU WENT TO OUR BOSS FOR SOMETHING WE COULD HAVE HANDLED PRIVATELY.

Anyway, every colleague went on to tell me how awful I am. I am contemptuous, I’m a bully, I don’t have empathy, I mock everyone and show no respect. That went on for 35 minutes, I wasn’t really allowed to tell my version of the stories because A had tears in her eyes and went “I’m not stupid, I know you laughed about me” you know what you little bitch? I didn’t but I lost all respect for you with this move. She knew exactly that I’m the most uncomfortable if I’m unprepared in a room with all colleagues and was the center of attention. I was shaking the entire time, my voice was unrecognisable and I spent the entire morning in my office crying. They turned all those stories the way they pleased them and four against one, I was pretty helpless there. They told me it was all due to B and my friendship with her. No it wasn’t, it was me not being fake polite to you idiots anymore because you didn’t deserve it. A said she did this for her own health, she couldn’t handle the trouble in the air anymore. Oh sweetie...du hinterfotziges kleines Stück Scheiße...like I will ever talk to you again, like we will ever sit together again somewhere and play nice. I despise you with all my heart and I hope karma gets you good! I will never pick up lunch for you again, I will not accompany you anywhere to ease your anxiety and I will never bring anything from the store ever again.

I knew she was gonna stab my back eventually but this was unexpectedly fast.

I talked to B then, proceeded to delete A everywhere and block her. I am never talking to her ever again, luckily we don’t have the identical work. B went on to write her a huge text about how much of a coward she is that she couldn’t address us personally, as friends, and instead cornered me with everyone else when I was alone and most vulnerable. How fake it was to play friends with us just to go on to tell our boss everything the second she gets the chance. How she doesn’t want harmony, she just wants to have the upper hand. Her answer? “I didn’t read that text but we didn’t corner her, we invited her to a meeting. And I didn’t say she was gossiping, someome told me she was gossiping about me“ What kind of a friend believes that a friend gossips about them when they’re sick for one day? B wasn’t in that day, who was I supposed to gossip with? Also I do not talk shit about friends. ever! just to their face for fun. I have met many awful people in my life, but this must be the tip of the iceberg. I have never felt so used by a person that I really went out for and genuinely considered a friend. B told her that we did everything in our might to arrange with all her anxieties and fears but she has to address mine in front of a crowd which is also an anxiety of mine.

I have now scheduled a meeting with my boss on monday where I askedto show her my perspective of the stories told about me. I have so much shit on these guys just on these stories, they just think I’m too chicken to let them out. But if they think I’m going back to being the 15 year old teenager that was bullied and cried every day at school, was afraid of everything and everyone they picked the wrong one. I am done. I fought so hard to be the person I am now. I’m not perfect, I have so many mistakes and shit, but I got so far. If they think they can ruin it by sticking together, I will just take us all down. I have worked in so many different administrations these past years and not a single one has said a bad word about me. I’m still in contact with 90% of the people and when it’s not Corona, I go and check in with them from time to time. I am not letting a coward, a little back-stabbing bitch, an uncapable boss and a whiny rat ruin everything.

The End...to be continued I guess.

We’ll see about my future there once I’ve talked to my boss on monday.

[behindclousedoors]

50 questions you’ve never been asked before 🌻

thanks to @softboylwt for the tag, ily 💗

1. what is the colour of your hairbrush? black and grey!!

2. a food you never eat? i dont like fish and broccoli

3. are you typically too warm or too cold? too warm! i’m hot even with the snow outside

4. what were you doing 45 minutes ago? editing eheh

5. what is your favourite candy bar? snickers

6. have you ever been to a professional sports event? yes, i went to one of the most important italian football matches

7. what is the last thing you said out loud? ‘yeah i’ll do it later’ in italian (sì, dopo lo faccio)

8. what is your favourite ice cream? pistachio all the way

9. what was the last thing you had to drink? darjeeling tea

10. do you like your wallet? yes! it looks vintage, but it’s just my friend’s old one haha

11. what was the last thing you ate? bread with dark chocolate spread

12. did you buy any new clothes last weekend? nope

13. the last sporting event you watched? the same one i mentioned earlier!!

14. what is your favourite flavour of popcorn? salty or caramel, can’t decide

15. who is the last person you sent a text message to? my best friend

16. ever go camping? i only went once and i’d really love to go again 

17. do you take vitamins? nope but i take melatonin pills

18. do you go to church every sunday? i’m an atheist now but i used to when i was younger (from 6 to 14)

19. do you have a tan? no and i hate having a tan but i tan so easily ):

20. do you prefer Chinese food or pizza? umh pizza bc of italian culture hehe

21. do you drink your soda with a straw? nope

22. what colour socks do you usually wear? umh it depends on the outfit???

23. do you ever drive above the speed limit? no i’m a very careful and anxious driver

24. what terrifies you? mostly insects, paranormal things, the devil, and a long list of things 

25. look to your left, what do you see? a road sign a friend of mine stole and gifted to me whoops

26. what chore do you hate? vacuuming, actually about to do it

27. what do you think of when you hear an Australian accent? 5sos lol

28. what’s your favourite soda? am i boring if i say coke?

29. do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive-thru? drive-thru typically

30. who’s the last person you talked to? my father

31. favourite cut of beef? i dont enjoy meat that much so i dont know???

32. last song you listened to? dream a little dream of me by doris day

33. last book you read? harry potter and the goblet of fire (bc of my annual harry potter re-reading)

34. favourite day of the week? saturday

35. can you say the alphabet backwards? no sadly

36. how do you like your coffee? i prefer tea over coffee but macchiato

37. favourite pair of shoes? my dearly beloved but destroyed dr martens 

38. at what time do you normally go to bed? it depends, between 1-5am 

39. at what time do you normally get up? it depends haha between 6-11am sometimes even later 

40. what do you prefer, sunrise or sunsets? sunsets!

41. how many blankets are on your bed? two

42. describe your kitchen plates? plain white eheh

43. do you have a favourite alcoholic beverage? i love alcohol, i mostly drink wine, digestifs and anything with tequila 

44. do you play cards? YES I LOVE TO

45. what colour is your car? black

46. can you change a tire? yes and sadly i had to do it twice in the last month

47. what is your favourite state/province? like in usa? i dont know i’ve only been to orlando, LA and NY so.... i’m more of a european kind of gal so i’ll go with uk

48. favourite job you’ve ever had? tutoring middle schoolers

49. how did you get your biggest scar? by hitting my forehead on the base structure of a sliding door when i was six (like the metal thing on the floor that lets the door slide???) 

50. what did you do today that made someone else happy? talked to my bff about some troubles she has with her bf 

i’m pretty boring i know!!! but i’m going to tag @alittlelouie and @louisbbear, ignore this if you dont want to do it and sorry if i always bother you with these things eheh 💗🌷

[mageicalwishes]

Read on AO3: here

Read the previous chapter (On Tumblr): here

Summary: “I’m egging your house for a dare, but you’re parent is a cop and now they’re yelling at me, so I told them you were my ex and you wronged me, and now you’re coming outside, so please just go along with this, I really don’t want to go to jail” AU When Simon Snow agreed to egg some posho’s house, he never thought he’d find himself here - The only thing standing between himself and a criminal charge, the word of a handsome stranger.

Chapter: 5/7

Words: 2,079

Not the most eventful chapter, sorry! But TRUST ... The next 2 chapters are worth it :)

Simon

After last week, me and Baz quickly fell into a routine of texting whenever either of us were free. It was the first thing I did in the morning, and the last thing I did at night (I even found myself waking up earlier, just so that we could speak more). It was a little bit pathetic, really - But, I couldn’t find it in myself to care.

We spoke about everything - Our likes and dislikes, our childhoods, our favourite sports teams, our other friends - You name it, we spoke about it. Well … Everything except what happened last time. We never spoke about that - Although, I figure that, that was probably for the best.  

So, it’s really no surprise that, the second I settled down into the booth to eat, I pulled my phone out and messaged him.

ME (15:19): Hey, hey, hey, Bazzy Bitch!

ME (15:19): How are you doing? :)

BP (15:21): Snow, I am genuinely BEGGING you to stop with the nicknames. Bazzy Bitch … Really? That's atrocious, even for you.

BP (15:22): And, I’m very well, thanks. Yourself?

ME (15:24): Good :) I’m great, thanks!

ME (15:24): And I’m never gonna stop with the nicknames. Never!!!! Not until I find one you like anyways ;) I’ve got a WHOLE list imma work my way through!

ME (15:25): I’m back at the Pizza place we went to together!

ME (15:25): I even got free chips this time :D

BP (15:26): Oh wow - I’m seething with envy. Free artery-clogging chips AND greasy pizza … What a gift!

BP (15:26): And ALL of that, on top of your chocolate pancakes this morning? Your internal organs must be thanking you!

I scoff, aloud, stupidly pleased with his grating wit.

SS (15:27): OI!

SS (15:27): Don't be a sarcastic twat!

SS (15:27): You LOVED the food there. You were practically drooling over it!

SS (15:28): Don't even TRY and deny it!

BP (15:29): It was adequate.

SS (15:28): Exactly! See! You loved it!

SS (15:28): Adequate is Baz talk for “It was the most delicious thing I’ve EVER eaten!”

SS (15:29): You’re just winding me up!

SS (15:29): If you REALLY didn’t like it you’d go all OTT using posho insults … NOT say it was adequate.

SS (15:31): You’d be all like … “Oh, Snow. This is positively ghastly! Atrocious! Lamentable, even! My private chef would never DARE serve me an abhorrent dish!”

BP (15:33): Sure, Snow. Whatever you say.

SS (15:34): You know I’m right! You just don’t wanna admit it.

SS (15:34): Cuz you’re a right dickhead :p

BP (15:35): How rude! I’m hardly a dickhead … I didn’t even make you admit how many of those words you had to Google, Snow!

I roll my eyes (Even though he can’t see them), and type out a simple, yet effective, response …

SS (15:34): Wanker!

Baz

Despite myself, I let out an unnecessarily loud laugh - Helplessly charmed by the idiocy of it all. I mean, seriously, only Simon Snow could call me a wanker, and leave me giggling like a bloody schoolgirl!

Regretfully, my little outburst draws Daphne’s attention away from the twins (Who appear to be trying to kill each other with Lego Duplo blocks), and straight onto me.

“Who are you talking to then, Sweet?” She asks.

“Just a friend,” I snap, my tone far too urgent.

“Okay,” she drawls, clearly having picked up on my unnecessary defensiveness. “Who?”

“Uh - Simon. Nobody you’d know. They’re sort of a new friend.”

“Oh I see. Did you meet him at the club?”

“No,” I snicker (Struggling to imagine somebody like Snow belonging somewhere so unnecessarily snooty, and uptight). “I just … Met him in town the other day. At the cinema.”

“Oh well, that’s nice,” she beams.

“Yeah,” I drone. “Very nice.”

She stares over to me, her full lips quirked up into a soft smile, and her deep brown eyes studying my face closely. She knows. Obviously. She always knows - Bloody mother’s intuition!

“And … Is he …”

She doesn’t have to ask properly, because I know what she’s trying to say.

Daphne has always been accepting of my sexuality. Although, it’s more than that, actually - She’s always been fully open to the idea of it (Not just reluctantly tolerant). Occasionally enquiring about whether I’ve been seeing “Anyone special”, and insisting that I must invite him over for dinner (Even after I tried to tell her that no such person existed). And I just know, that she was behind that infernal “Same-sex sexual education” pamphlet, I found on my bed last summer (It was actually fairly informative, although, I’d really rather have just sought out the information out myself. The humiliation of knowing that she’d read that with me in mind, made me want to set myself on fire).

So, the words that go unsaid when she asks if Simon is …  Are 'Your boyfriend'.

“No,” I sigh. “He’s just a friend. Honest.”

'Just a friend' … The words twist in my mouth, bitter and scornful. And, while it is technically the truth, it feels like a lie.

“Okay. Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. I was just curious,” She shrugs. “But … It’s lovely to see you smiling. I’m glad that you found him - Friend, or otherwise.”

“Yeah,” I huff, scrubbing my hands together awkwardly. “Actually ... About Simon. I’ve been meaning to ask. Do you think that he could come over next Friday? For dinner.”

“Of course he can!” She grins. “I’m always telling you, you can invite people over. As long as it’s okay with his parents, that’s perfectly fine by me.”

“Okay. Perfect,” I sigh, pursing my lips, in an attempt to suppress my telltale grin. “Thank you.”

She smiles - Sweet and warm. “Of course.”

“But, just to warn you - He has quite an early curfew,” I stammer. “So - I mean, he has to be back home by eight. So, we may have to have dinner a little early. Is that … still okay?”

“Well, it’s not ideal, but I’m sure I can sort something out.”

“Okay,” I breathe, relieved. “Sorry. I would order a takeaway, or something, but I sort of promised him a homemade meal. The food at his place isn’t exactly the best, and yours is objectively delicious … So, I figured that he'd appreciate a proper meal.”

“Oh you little flatterer,” she says, laughing demurely. “I’ll figure something out, don’t worry. If worst comes to worst, he could always just stay the night - That way we could have dinner at a normal time, and you two wouldn’t have to rush yourselves.”

And there it is - Two whole days with Simon Snow, served up to me on a silver platter. Daphne truly is a superior stepmother.

“Okay. Yeah,” I stutter, my face flushing absurdly. “I mean … I’ll check if he’s allowed, but that would be great. Thank you.”

She smirks lightly, shrugging her shoulders casually (As if she hasn’t just made my entire month). “It’s no problem. It’ll be nice for you to have some company.”

Elated, I scoop up my phone and fire out a quick text to Snow. But, before I can hit send, I remember - Father.

“Uh - Daphne,” I mumble. “Actually … I was going to ask - Do you think that you could not tell Father?”

Her face folds into a frown - Her eyebrows falling, and her eyes squeezing shut, as though pained by my request.

“Basil,” she sighs. “If that’s really what you want, then of course I’ll keep it a secret. But, your Father doesn’t care about you having friends over. Even if they’re boys … Even if they’re more than just a friend -”

I scoff, unconvinced.

“- He loves you Basil. I know it. He talks about you all the time - How proud he is of you, how smart he thinks you are, how much you remind him of her. He thinks the world of you … Even if he refuses to show it. And, I know that he didn’t exactly respond well to your coming out, but he still cares for you. Trust me, I understand that it’s desperately unfair that you should have to wait, but … He will come around. Even if I have to drag him there kicking and screaming myself! You don’t have to hide yourself away in your own house. I don’t want that for you. He doesn’t want that for you.”

I scrunch my face up, unsure of what to say.

“It isn’t that,” I murmur, my voice frustratingly weak. “I just … I don’t want him to know. Father has sort of met Simon before. But ... He didn’t exactly make the best first impression. So, I’d rather he not know that Simon was here.”

“Oh?” she chuckles, her curiosity peaked. “What did he do?”

I falter, gawping at her stupidly. “The egging … That was Simon.”

She grins wickedly, clearly amused.

“But it was just a joke!” I continue. “He’s a really, really nice guy once you get to know him. And, he’d never do something like that normally! It was just a stupid game that went a little too far. And he was super, super sorry - He came back to clean it, and everything.”

“Okay, okay,” she chuckles. “We all make mistakes, Basil. I won’t hold it against him. But … You’re right - It’s probably best if we keep Simon away from your father. Don’t worry, Sweet. Your secret’s safe with me.”

————————————————————————————

Simon

BP (15:51): Good news, Snow - You’ve been invited to dinner. Friday. My place. Sound okay?

BP (15:52): And, don't worry, Father is in Oxford over the weekend, so you’ll be perfectly safe.

I smile down at my phone, ecstatically happy.

ME (15:52): Haha defo :D

ME (15:52): Dinner sounds great!

ME (15:53): What time did you want me to come over?

BP (15:54): I was thinking 11am-ish. That way we could spend the entire day together.

ME (15:54): Okay yeah. Sure :) Sounds fabbbb.

BP (15:57): Yes.

BP (15:57): Actually, speaking of spending the day together - My stepmother said that you could stay the night, if you’d like. That way you wouldn’t have to stress about being back in time for your curfew. Forgive me, but I’m not entirely sure whether you’re actually allowed to go to sleepovers - But, if you are, then you’re more than welcome to stay.

BP (15:58): And, we’d be in separate rooms, and everything. Obviously. So you don't need to worry about that.

I wasn’t really worried about that, to be honest. I can imagine much worse than spending the night with Baz. Although, I won’t tell him that - That is definitely far too forward.

BP (15:58): And if you’d rather not, then that’s fine obviously. It’s just an option.

Exhilarated - A manic grin breaks across my face, my cheeks aching with the force of it. If anyone were to look up at me right now, they’d probably think that I was mildly demented (Although, to be fair, I’m not entirely sure that I’m not - I do feel slightly mad with it all).

Irritatingly exposed, I slink off to the bathroom for some privacy.

ME (16:00): Of course I’m allowed to go to sleepovers, you plonker! It’s a children’s home … Not a prison.

BP (16:01): The strict 8PM curfew suggests otherwise.

ME (16:01): Aha lol true :D

ME (16:03): But nah, seriously. I’ve never actually been to a sleepover, but I’m pretty sure I just have to, like, ask my social worker. They’ll probs need to do some sort of check, and then I’m good. They’re normally fairly chill about that kind of stuff tbh, as long as you ask. And, I’m 17 now, not 6 - So I doubt they’ll have a problem with it.

ME (16:04): They might need your parents number, though. Just to like … Call and check I’m not just bullshitting them :’)

ME (16:04): Dunno. I’ll go ask them in a sec.

ME (16:05): But if they say I can, I defo wanna sleepover.

ME (16:05): It'll be nice not to have to run off after a few hours for once :)

BP (16:07): Definitely.

BP (16:07): Enough chatting, though, Snow. Go and ask, before you forget! I need definitive answers ASAP! Chop-chop!

ME (16:05): Alright, alright! Keep your wig on, you impatient git! I’ll go and ask now. So … Ttyl :D

[shadow-assassin-blix]

A Christmas to Remember

Jack “Whiskey” Daniels x Reader/You

This is my Secret Santa gift as part of the #Pedros12DaysofChristmas to one @mickeymouse-moshpit​ who wanted some fluff. This is my first time writing for Whiskey and I had a lot of fun with it. (Also, I sent an anon a while ago but I dont know if you ever saw it, or if tumblr ate it, so if you specified anything else my apologies!) I hope you enjoy this!

Warnings: Talks of loss of childhood dog, Whiskey mentions his deceased wife. Some anxiety issues in the form of trying to be a people pleaser. 

It was a few days before Christmas Eve, and most of the Statesmen were spending the day catching up on paperwork before heading out on vacation. That is where you were; stuck in your office finishing up reports.

It has been a rough couple of weeks for you. A mission you went on a week ago, went terribly. Your CI had gotten killed, and you had almost walked into a trapped that could’ve been the death of you and your team.

Thankfully, another agent who had been your backup got you out of there before anything could happen. Agent Jack “Whiskey” Daniels had been a literal lifesaver that day.

Then on top of that, your childhood dog had passed away over a month ago. He had been about 15, so his passing wasn’t too shocking, but it still broke your heart. He had been with you through so many changes: college, jobs, moves, break-ups. This was the first Christmas in years, that you would be spending it alone.

So, here you were typing up the last report before the holidays, with a smidge of dread.

It was as you were editing the report that you saw Whiskey making his way out of his office across from yours. You had always thought he was extremely handsome. He was a flirt, sure, but he was damn good at his job. You had been trying to figure out how to properly thank him for days since he saved your ass.

You bit your lip as an idea popped up in your head, and found yourself chasing after him, trying to catch up before he got on the elevator.

“Hey Whiskey!” You called out when you see him waiting for the elevator, just ahead of you.

He turned around, slight confusion on his face as he watched you run up to him.

“Where’s the fire darling?” He asked slight concern in his voice.

“Sorry. Um. Was wondering… do you have any plans for Christmas Eve?” You slowly asked, trying to not sound too winded.

“Uh. Not much. I’m on the graveyard shift both nights. Why you ask honey?” He questioned curiously.

“Well. I tend to have a small dinner at home and watch cheesy Christmas movies. I was wondering if you would like to join me? No one should spend the holidays alone or at work,” You offered with a small smile, scratching the back of your neck awkwardly.

Whiskey stared at her surprised. He wasn’t expecting that.

“Um. That’s mighty kind of you. I may take you up on that. I’ll let you know, yeah?” He finally answered not knowing what to say.

You nodded your head, somewhat excitedly.

“Great. No pressure though! I just… don’t want to be alone to be honest. But um. Just let me know, okay?” You said with a wave as you walked back to your office.

You go back inside, finish your edits and sent off the report for review. It was as you were gathering your things, that you realized that what you said… sounded a little guilt trip-y.

You winced as you thought more and more about it. When you got down to your car, and was simply sitting in it, you decided to text him.

‘Hey, umm. I’m sorry if what I said early made you feel awkward. I just wanted to do something nice for you after that mission last week. If I overstepped or made you feel weird, I am sorry.’

You hit sent before typing out one more thing.

‘If you want… we can just ignore that whole conversation.’

You sent it and then threw your phone over into to the seat next to you, not wanting to look at it ever again.

You made your way home and soon enough you were walking upstairs into your apartment. As you set your stuff down, you checked your phone expecting something horrific. There was nothing. You unlocked it to see the conversation, wanting to be sure nothing had been said. All that was there were your two messages. So, you continued on with your night, checking your phone occasionally.

Two days later, it was Christmas Eve, and you still had yet to hear from Whiskey. You simply sigh in resignation that he was either weirded out by you, or just wasn’t interested.

You began cooking your dinner at about 11am. You tended to make a lot of food, despite it usually only being for one person. You loved leftovers and it meant not having to cook a lot for a few days. It was about 3pm when you were fixing up the ham, getting ready to put it in the oven, when you heard a knock at the door.

You stared at it confused before walking over to it. When you opened it, there was a man you didn’t know standing there.

“Uh. Can I help you?” You asked awkwardly looking at him and the dishes he was carrying.

He looked at you then at the door number, and went, “Aw. Shit. Sorry. Got off on the wrong floor. My bad. Um. Merry Christmas?”

You laughed a little and said, “Merry Christmas to you. Enjoy whatever you’re about to eat, it smells delicious!”

He threw a ‘thanks’ over his shoulder as he walked away. You close the door and went back over to your ham. You finished preparing it and set it in the oven, creating a timer for it.

You were in the middle of cleaning up the slight mess that had been from that and was setting the table with everything that you had made earlier when another knock came to your door.

You walk over with a sigh, mentally preparing to direct another person who was at the wrong door. But upon opening it, you were surprised to see Whiskey standing there instead. He was wearing a simple black polo and jeans, a white cowboy hat in one hand and a bottle of wine tucked under his arm.

“Hi,” He greeted with a small smile.

“Hey,” You were shocked to say the least.

It took a moment for your brain to start functioning again before you realized you had yet to let him in. You stepped aside and he walked in setting his hat on a rung on the coat rack.

“I uhh… I brought some white wine. I remember you saying you’re not a fan of red,” He stated showing you the bottle.

You smiled at him meekly, and asked, “You remembered that?”

He nodded with a small smirk, “I only remember the important things.”

“My preference in wine is important?” You questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“Indeed. I find most things that you tell me about yourself important. How else would I be able to woo you?” He fired back his smirk growing.

You felt your face warm with embarrassment before clearing your throat, “Ahem. Um. Dinner will be ready in about 30 minutes. There’s plenty to snack on as well, so help yourself.”

You made your way into the kitchen to get a bottle opener and a pair of wine glasses. Whiskey followed you, taking the opener from you gently. He quietly opened the bottle and poured the both of you glasses.

He then picked up both glasses and took them over to the couch, holding them, waiting for you to join him. You sat down next to him and took one. You clinked your glasses together before taking a sip.

You turned slightly to look at him, leaning back on your couch.

“Are you uh… still doing the graveyard shift tonight?” You politely asked, fiddling with the stem of your drink.

“No. I’m not. Decided against it,” He answered softly.

“Why uhh… why did you agree to do them in the first place, if I may ask?” You inquired, propping your arm up on the back of the couch to rest your head on it.

“Nothin’ better to do. Haven’t really celebrated the holidays in years. Not uhh. Not since my wife died,” He admitted with a flinch.

You stared at him, horrified. You didn’t know what to say. What does one say after that?

“I’m sorry… if this.. if this bothers you, you don’t have to stay,” You whispered feeling awful.

“It doesn’t bother me. Not as much as I thought it would. To be honest, I had planned on saying no. But. I don’t know. Somethin’ kept naggin’ at me to go. Maybe it’s cause yer the first woman in years that I’ve truly been interested, if it’s not too forward of me to say?” He confessed looking you in the eyes.

As you met his gaze, could see the honesty in his eyes. You set your glass of wine down, and got up, to walk over to the fridge. You reached in and pulled out 2 beers.

“Drinking wine doesn’t quite feel right for the current mood,” You lamely joked handing him one of them.

He chuckled softly and murmured in agreement.

“I lost my dog a month ago… Old age. Passed away in his sleep. ‘Best way for a pet to go’ as I’ve been told by everyone. Never really knew just how quiet this place can get without him. Thought about getting another to fill the void but I don’t know… None quite measure up I guess,” You told him before taking a swig of beer wincing slightly at taste of it mixing with the wine.

“I was about to ask, I remember you talking about him a lot,” He said with a nod.

“I know it’s silly, to not want to spend a holiday alone when your usual company was a dog-” You began to explain before he cut you off.

“It’s not silly to me. Now, I’m not quite sure who put that in ya head, but he was yer family. Just because he was a pet, doesn’t invalidate that or your grief,” He began, his hand gently brushing against your cheek. “I’m just… happy that ya asked me to come be with you.”

You smiled in appreciation, your hand reaching up to touch his as you leaned your cheek into it.

He slowly moved forward, his eyes glancing between yours and your lips, silently asking for permission. His lips slowly met yours a moment after you nodded your once. You kissed back just as hesitantly. His hand at your cheek, slowly slid into your hair bring you closer.

The kiss was slow but with each second that passed, the both of you gained more confidence. The kiss became deeper and more passionate. Your hands slid around his neck, slowly burying themselves into his hair. His other hand was fiddling with the hem of your shirt, brushing against the skin he found there.

The only reason why either of you pulled away was to suck in some much-needed air as you felt your lungs burn a little.  You wanted to go back for more, but the kitchen timer was going off, signaling the ham was done. The both of you chuckle as you took in the state of each other: lips swollen, hair a mess.

You quietly stood up to go take the ham out of the oven. The both of you fixed up a plate, and began to watch a few Christmas movies, curling up next to each on the couch. You were about halfway through the Nightmare Before Christmas when you paused it to put your plates into the sink.

“Before we continue… I.. I got you something,” You said to him walking over to your tree.

You picked up a small box that you had labelled as “Whiskey.”

The both of you returned to the couch, as you handed him the present.

He opened it stating, “I didn’t get you anything. Now I feel a bit bad ‘bout that”

As he opened the box to reveal a watch his breath caught. He looked at it and then slowly turned his wrist to look at the watch he had on. It was almost identical to the one he wore now, just silver instead of gold.

He pulled it out gently, examining it. What really got him was when he saw the engraving at the back. It had his name… and the name of his wife.

His gaze turned to you in confused amazement.

“I’ve seen you prepare for missions a lot, and when I first started, I was one of the people who had to lock up personal items when the mission called for extreme discretion. I noticed on your watch it had a name on it. I didn’t know who she was, but I figured she had to be pretty important to you. You mentioned a while back that it broke, and no one’s been able to repair it. So, I tried to find one that looked similarly,” You explained biting your lip.

He looked at you for a moment longer, before turning back to the watch. He gently set the watch back into its box.

You opened your mouth to apologize when he stopped you… by pulling you into a kiss. The kiss was brief but passionate.

“Thank you, darlin’. That’s… that’s the kindest thing anyone’s done for me in a long while,” He whispered against your lips, as he reached up to wipe away a tear that had escaped.

“You’re welcome. I was hoping you’d like it. I was worried you’d hate it,” You admitted.

“You worry too much. You need to stop worryin’ about upsettin’ everyone all the time. You are one of the best agents we have, and everyone adores you,” He assured you, kissing you again and pulling you into his arms.

You smiled sheepishly at that and nodded. You curled back into his side, and he held you as close as possible. You continued to watch movies until you fell asleep, feeling safe and warm next to him.

As morning came and you slowly woke up on the couch, a blanket covering you. As you sat up, looking around, you realized you were alone. You got up looking around trying to see if he left a note.

As you walked toward the kitchen to your phone, you realized that it had been cleaned up. He had put away and saved the food that had been left out.

She checked her phone and saw that there was one message waiting for her.

‘Needed to go do some things. Merry Christmas, beautiful. If it’s alright, I’d like to see you again tonight?’ -Whiskey

You sent a quick response back, ‘I would love to see you tonight! Merry Christmas!’

The rest of the day you went and hung out with some friends for Christmas and did gift exchanges. When you finally came back home, it was late in the day. You set the presents down and freshened up really quick before Whiskey arrived.

It didn’t take very long before you heard a knock on the door; perfectly timed since you had just finished cleaning up. You could feel yourself get excited at the thought of seeing Whiskey again. You walked over to the door to see Whiskey standing there with a large box in his arms, that was brightly colored.

You stared at him, slightly confused at the box. It was as you stared at it that you noticed a shimmer of silver. He had put on the watch.

“Hey darlin’. So. Funny story. I went out planning to ask a friend a question… when I saw something in an alleyway,” He began to explain hesitantly.

He slowly lifted the lid off to reveal a puppy. “He was alone. Took him to my friend who works with a shelter and had one of those fancy scanner things that checks for microchips. Found none. When I told him where I found this lil guy, they said it’s a common place for people to dump pets.”

You stared at the puppy wide-eyed, vaguely aware of what Whiskey was saying to you. The puppy gave a small bark, and his tail wagged excitedly. You could feel your heart melting as you stared at him. You could feel your eyes swelling up with tears.

You slowly reached forward, holding your hand out to his face to sniff. He sniffed it once and then began to lick your hand several times, causing you to choke out a laugh. You then picked up out of the box and held him close to you.

He gave you several kisses before snuggling into your arms.

“I uh… I think I’m gonna have to keep him,” You said tearily as you held him.

“Those are happy tears, right?” He asked nervously.

“Yes. Very happy,” You answered with a laugh, moving back to let him in.

“I had planned on just askin’ my friend about any available dogs for you, thinkin’ maybe we could go find you one tomorrow when the shelter was open. Then I just found him on my way over. I ain’t a big believer in fate but…” He trailed off smiling as he watched you.

“You wanted to take me on a date to find a puppy?” She asked setting the puppy down to let him explore.

“Yes ma’am. I did indeed,” He replied stepping toward her. “Now, however, I think it’s gonna be a get supplies for the little rascal kind of date.”

“I’m good with that, but uhh…  I do believe that I need to kiss you right now,” You said with moving closer to him.

“Oh? Is that right? Well then... please don’t let me stop you,” He drawled as his arms wrapped around your waist pulling you in as close as he could.

You giggled in response as you kissed him slowly and thoroughly, your arms around his neck. He kissed back, his arms lifting you slightly off your feet.

You broke apart when you heard a little bark at your feet. The both of you looked down to see the puppy staring up at the two of you, tilting his head.

You reached down and picked him up and as you held him, you looked at Whiskey who was smiling brightly at you.

“Not gonna lie, honey. This has probably been one of the better Christmases I’ve had in a long time,” He said fondly.

“Same here. Maybe uhh… when the holidays are over, we could go on some proper dates?” You proposed.

“I’d like that. I’d like that a lot,” He remarked pressing a kiss to your lips, before giving a small kiss to the puppy’s forehead.

You smiled and as the two of you spent the rest of the evening together, the both of you realized something. This wasn’t what you were expecting for Christmas at all, but neither of them will ever complain. This was a Christmas to remember.